Consider Christ

Hebrews 12:3 ~ "Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted."

There is a need for every believer to spend time and interest in the consideration of Christ. To "consider" is to have a deep, internal, abiding contemplation of the person and work of the Lord Jesus. It takes the investment of time in order to ruminate on all those things that are concerning Him. Today we are inundated with quick fixes and psychological slogans and the desire to dive deep into the text of Scripture and learn of the Lord is almost lost. 

Jesus, Himself, said this in Matthew 11:29, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." We are to learn from Him, and will discover His gentle and humble heart, finding rest for our souls. In a world filled with the restlessness of sin, finding that inner peace from Christ is a treasure beyond comprehension. So, are you willing to "learn of Him?" It takes time and will require your attention. More than just a Scripture soundbite or a quick read, you will need to immerse yourself in His book.

Our text for today commands us to consider the Lord so that we will not grow weary or fainthearted. In the constant battle we have with sin, and the continual pressure from the world to relax our faith and give in to temptation and conform ourselves to their standards, we might very well grow weary and fainthearted. There is a weariness that comes from the continual battle against sin. Soldiers were often diagnosed with a condition called "battle fatigue," now known as "PTSD" (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). But whatever its name, the symptoms are such that it causes a weary, faintheartedness that attempts to collapse the courage and endurance of the warrior.

But why are we to "consider Jesus" when we face the shattered reality of spiritual and emotional exhaustion? Should we not first look to "coping methods" and "therapy strategies" that will give us a better handle on our situation? The reason is simple--because He also "endured such hostility from sinners against Himself." The Lord Jesus was not only tempted as we are and without sin (see Hebrews 4:15), but He also suffered as we do--He endured hostility far greater than we have ever experienced and He was victorious. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:21, "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps." 

The victory of Christ was not to escape the hostility of sinners. He endured the cross (see Hebrews 12:2) He was hounded, persecuted, tried and executed by the world of sinners. The victory of Christ was to endure such hatred and remain faithful to the very point of His own death. He never once wavered in His determination to be true to His Father and the reason He came.

Then He warned His disciples that we would endure the same. "If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:19). If you are a faithful Christian, and desire to live a godly life, you will be persecuted (see 2 Timothy 3:12). 

As the world grows more hostile to the Christian faith, and the persecutions rise against those who follow Christ, it is even more important to embrace this day the command to "consider Jesus." The more you learn of Him, the more you take the time to meditate and ruminate on His word, the more you will discover that He does give "rest for your souls" and you will not grow weary and fainthearted. Why? Because you will discover that through it all, Jesus is with you and, no matter what might happen, you will be with Him forever. 

As we close today, beloved, consider the words of James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

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