Cats in the Yarn
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 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,
The image of entanglement is that of a kitten's reaction to a ball of yarn thrown across the room. If sin was labeled as dangerous, poisonous, or a nuisance we would stay away at all costs. Yet James 1:14 outlines the method the devil uses to entrap believers. They are "drawn away of" their "own lust and enticed." We see the same pattern in Jesus's temptations for forty days and nights recorded in Matthew 4:1-11. He was tested by his need for food, glory, and homage. Imagine being drawn by our own needs and desires which can prove deadly enough to cause a shipwreck of the faith in 1 Timothy 1:19. A shipwreck is enough to mess up a life. This is why Jesus says in Matthew 6:25 not to "worry about your life, what you will eat," drink or put on for the Lord knows you have need of such. Matthew 6:32 shows the difference between the believers and the pagans; note the running after of the necessaries of life or the things needed.
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Christ is not minimizing the need for honor, glory, praise of men, and the riches of this life for he himself, the King of Creation, was tested by them. Thus, we seek these things from him, the giver of "every good and perfect gift" in James 1:17. The devil's gifts, like himself, are tainted. This is how we persevere in the face of our needs and challenges. We look to him who provides as Hebrews 12:2 points out. Just as he provided his life for our salvation, inheritance, and place in Heaven, will he not provide for everything else in this life that is needed. Romans 8:32 calls it "freely [giving] us all things." Hebrews 12 is a story of God our provider. If we truly believed he provides, the balls of yarn which are the temptations, the weights, and the distractions the devil throws at us will cease to be alluring. Our needs are met in Christ, the author and fulfillment of our faith.
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Following Christ invokes persecution and difficulties because of who he is. Yet, along with these, he promises that we like him will overcome. This literally means to have the victory and rest beside the Father as if these things were nothing. Isaiah 52:3 emphasizes the trials of this life as nothing. "Sold for nothing" yet redeemed with what is priceless. In the same measure you have suffered, it will be given you again as 2 Timothy 2:12 points out. This is how Christ redeems the church, his believers.