Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus

Our faith is hard, yet faithfulness leads to a life that is no longer hard, but full, joyous, and everlasting.

An even casual read though of the scriptures for today shows a central theme, we must be willing to endure to the end.

Jeremiah was hated because he proclaimed God’s word, he called people on their sinfulness and spoke of its consequences.

I ask myself and I ask you to consider, do we do that at all? Do we really proclaim God’s word and way, and do we live it fully, or do we prefer shortcuts and compromises?

This is a universal problem among many professed Christians today, we prefer polite Christianity, non-accountable Christianity, and the theology of nice.

Jesus did not come to earth, take on our human form, and go to the cross so we could be soft, warm, fuzzy, and nice. Rather He came to bring a fire.

The fire of Christ starts in love. Love is different than nice. Love calls us first to hold ourselves accountable, to live the faith fully within our own lives and homes. We are called to set aside false beliefs; the things the world tells us are ok and that we should or must accept. We must say no to those things.

Love then calls us to extend our hands and our hearts to others, to help them along the way, not by criticism, hurtful words, or meanness, but by setting forth the truth.

There are not two truths, but one truth. That truth is Jesus and His way. It is about rejecting sin, living holy and sanctified lives, and adherence to a sacrificial way of life. 

King Zedekiah was weak; he was a wimp. He was timid and cowardly – the embodiment of nice – giving in to those he perceived as stronger. His sin was failing to realize that God was with him.

We have God at our side and an awesome future. We can start today by strengthening our resolve, by doing the little things – daily prayer, reading scripture daily, fasting on Fridays. Let us persevere in running the race with our eyes fixed on Jesus,