Hebrews 12:1 Therefore . . . let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
When I used to read the above verse from Hebrews, I thought that to "throw off sin" meant to avoid sinning altogether. And, I think that, to a degree, that is what the above verse is saying. But, I am also thinking there may be a deeper meaning to it. Another picture comes to mind. I'm wearing a heavy coat, the "coat of guilt" and I can't seem to shake it off. The problem is that even when I've confessed a sin, I keep "wearing" the guilt. Much like a winter coat, it is heavy and cumbersome. I struggle to get it off, but it entangles me to the point that I can barely walk, let alone run.
Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith . . .
The good news is that when I take my eyes off of my guilt and shame, when I look up, I see Jesus leading me. "Fix your eyes on me," he seems to be saying. "Let the sin go. Let the shame go. Let the guilt go. Because of the price I paid, your sins are forgiven. Live out that truth." These words encourage me to take off my "coat of guilt." It's much too heavy to be running in anyway.
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