Technology is wonderful! For it provides a vast array of opportunity to proclaim the word of God. The other day, as I was having a FaceTime Word devotion with one of our YouTube followers in Europe we read from the book of Hebrews,

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God”. Hebrews 12:1-2

Indeed, an important scripture passage that points to the true meaning of endurance. What does it mean to endure? For many, it is the clenched hands, the nose to the grindstone, the bull charge forward like “The Little Train that could” [by Watty Piper, 1930].

“I think I can, I think I can” as the train was chugging up the mountain by all of his will and way. And this is the picture of endurance according to man. We tell ourselves that we must simply push forward as if we are treading through thick mud, trying our best to simply go from point A to point B. Day to day, we live the grind, wincing and grimacing, hoping that this enduring design will eventually provide a light at the end of the tunnel.

Yet, we know the end result. We are tired and weary as we run out of steam. “I think I can” loses its luster as so is the hope for the light at the end of the tunnel. The writer of Hebrews describes the true meaning of endurance.

“Looking to Jesus...who for the joy that was set before him endured the Cross” “let us run with endurance that is set before us”

The enduring faith is one that trusts in the enduring word of Christ and His promise. For, it is our Lord Jesus who endured the Cross that was set before him to be the Savior for you. Our Lord endured in every facet. From the crown of thorns, to the nailed pierced hands, to harassment and ridicule, our Lord stayed the course. The course that was not filled with the words “I think I can”, “I think I can” but rather “Thy will be done”, “It is finished!” Therefore by His enduring faith, our Lord accounts for you by His work upon the Cross and Empty Tomb. In His victory over sin, death and the power of the devil, our Lord overcame the world and has given you the gracious remedy of His body and blood shed for the forgiveness of your sins.

And thus we proceed with enduring faith. No longer it is “I” that endures but rather it is Christ who endured, won, and delivered His gracious gift of salvation for you. This is your hope and true light as you endure in His name.

“if we endure we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us If we are faithless, he remains faithful- for he cannot deny himself” 2Tm2:13

Your enduring faith is Christ who remains faithful. Even in the greatest struggle and suffering where we fail and fall short, I was reminded of the Name to which keeps us. The gentlemen in the FaceTime Word devotion said, “I am baptized into Christ and the victory has been won. And this victory is for me.” What great enduring words of faith!

And so it is for you. Even in the heaviest times, where it seems we are tunneled with terror and despair, take heart! For the light of Christ is not only at the end of the tunnel, but is with you always until the end of the age [Mt28:20].

Have a blessed October,
✝️ Pastor Jeong

The full newsletter can be found here:
https://flc.ms/files/pdf/2021/2021-10-Newsletter.pdf