A friend of mine was on a hike with his fiancé, took a wrong turn, and for over two hours fought his way through briars. He was lost with no cell phone service. It would be reasonable to ask “Why didn’t he just turn around?” The path he was on was very steep and, once on the (wrong) path, he was committed. He didn’t know how extensive the briars were (assuming he would get out of them in a little while). When he finally emerged from the briars his shirt was literally shredded and his arms and hands were scratched and bleeding. And, needless to say, he was totally exhausted.
Reminds me of Hebrews 12:1-2. v. 1 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race (path?) marked out for us…
Entanglement is a great word and concept! Note how what Paul says is affirmed by my friend’s experience.
- If the wrong path is chosen, it can be difficult to return to the right path.
- The sins or briars EASILY entangle.
- We may think we won’t be entangled for long, but…
- We can’t always know how extensive the entanglement will be.
- We often emerge from the entanglement injured.
- These entanglements leave us exhausted!
The really Good News is v. 2 – 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Blessings!
Pastor Mark
