Soldiers fighting in a sweltering jungle many years ago encountered a frustrating problem. Without warning, a pervasive prickly vine would attach itself to the soldiers’ bodies and gear, causing them to be trapped. As they struggled to get free, even more of the plant’s tentacles entangled them. The soldiers dubbed the weed the “wait-a-minute” vine because, once entwined and unable to move forward, they were forced to shout out to other members of their team, “Hey, wait a minute, I’m stuck!”
In a similar way, it’s hard for followers of Jesus to move forward when we’re ensnared by sin. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” and “run with perseverance”. But how do we throw off the sin weighing us down?
Jesus is the only one who can free us from pervasive sin in our lives. May we learn to fix our eyes on Him, our Saviour (12:2). Because the Son of God became “fully human in every way,” He knows what it’s like to be tempted—yet not sin (2:17–18; 4:15). Alone, we may be desperately entwined by our own sin, but God wants us to overcome temptation. It’s not through our own strength, but His, that we can “throw off” entangling sin and run after His righteousness (1 Corinthians 10:13).
By Cindy Hess Kasper
REFLECT & PRAY
What do you sense is entangling you on your life journey? How might you persevere and be free of it?
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the race You’ve set before me. Please give me wisdom and discernment to steer clear of the sin that tries to entangle me and prevent me from running well.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The connective word therefore in Hebrews 12:1 reflects on the author’s conviction that what God had revealed about Himself in the past has come to fullness of meaning in His Son (1:1–3). No angel, holy day, temple or sacrifice can be compared to Jesus. He alone revealed the glory and goodness of His Father by exposing the sin and shame of the world fully and by forgiving it completely (1:4–10:22 ). “Therefore” the author would go on to urge readers to keep the faith that had already enabled them and many before them to endure hardship as a way of showing their faith in God (10:32–11:40). This was the moment to keep their eyes on Jesus who was leading them in selfless concern for others (12:2; 13:1–4). This was their moment to trust the One who assured them that He’d never leave them or forsake them (vv. 5–6).
Mart DeHaan
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