Looking Unto JESUS

"Let us run with patience the race set before us." —Hebrews 12:1 [KJV]

A lively faith begets a cheerful heart. A joyful hope makes a resigned soul. An humble mind produceth a patient spirit. So we run with pleasure our short race, "looking unto Jesus." But alas! shame to us, there is a sin which easily besets us and which draws a train of burdens and distresses along with it. Why are poor disciples' minds harassed by frequent murmurings and impatience? Why their tempers soured with evil passions, and they utter hasty, angry, unbecoming speeches? Verily, UNBELIEF is the cause of all this. 

Their minds are clouded; they do not see Jesus; they do not consider Jesus as seeing them; they do not look to Jesus for patience: hence Satan gets an advantage over them: pride begets impatience of spirit. Then, with fretful Jonah they cry out, "I do well to be angry." Well, soul, and how do you find your mind after doing thus well? what is the frame of your soul after thus gratifying the will of the flesh, your proud self-will? what hast thou gained hereby but dejection of spirit and sorrow of heart? what hast thou lost? Even the comforting view of Jesus, and the sweet sense of peace: thus the feet are entangled in a snare; and, instead of running with patience, we sit down in sorrow. 

Tossed by stormy winds, in a tempestuous ocean, the poor bark seems driven back many degrees from the haven of rest and peace. So we suffer loss of patience by looking from Jesus to other objects. While our Beloved is viewed, patience possesses the heart, the feet run with delight the way of God's commandments, and we look forward with cheerful hope. Patience sweetens afflictions and improves exercises and trials. It keeps the heart from envy, the hand from revenge, the tongue from evil-speaking, and overcomes enemies without weapons; for it draws all its strength from Christ's love, the sweetness of His presence, and hope of His glory. 

A martyr tormented by infidels, was asked by way of reproach, what miracle his Christ had done? He replied, You now behold one: He enables me to bear your reproaches, and suffer your tortures with patience. I am not moved. Is not this a miracle worthy your notice? Whatever befalls our souls is the wise allotment of our loving Father! We are exhorted to "run with patience," that we may not lie down in sorrow. The sun of consolation shall shine bright on our souls, while "we press forward towards the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."—Philippians 3:14.

O let my thoughts be humble still, 

And all my carriage mild, 

Content, my Father, with Thy will, 

And quiet as a child.

The patient soul, the lowly mind 

Enjoys a sweet reward; 

Let saints in sorrow be resign'd, 

And trust a faithful Lord.

 

-preacher William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)