May 30, 2015
Hebrews 12:1-2
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, 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.
The Sixth Day Exercise
If ever there were a “Sixth Day” theme verse, this would be it. For those of you who may be new to the Daily Text and the idea of the Sixth Day Exercise allow me to explain.
According to Scripture, God created men and women in his image on the sixth day. Of course we know what happened next with the entry of sin which led to the desecration of our race. But with the birth of Jesus Christ and his life, death, resurrection, ascension and sending of the Holy Spirit, we can now be re-made and restored to the image of God.
We have begun a weekly rhythm of self examination to keep touch with this ongoing reality in our lives. It’s so easy to lose our way in the long middle of life and slip into mediocrity and even nominal faith. We readily say our faith is the most important thing in our lives and yet we all too often give ourselves a pass in the name of grace. This is not about self shaming or self abnegation. It’s about caring more and becoming a more active participant in our own sanctification that is being wrought by the Holy Spirit.
The Sixth Day gives us a chance to take stock of the “cloud of witnesses” surrounding us, to assess what might be hindering our walk with God and to throw off the sin that so easily entangles. We were made to run the glorious race of eternal life, with the Spirit of God ever sourcing our perseverance and the perfecting of our faith. Most of all, this weekly discipline is a chance to re-establish our fixed gaze on the Son of God and to graciously assess how we did with that last week.
It’s only seven questions. How about it? As always, it is completely anonymous.
DO THE SIXTH DAY EXERCISE HERE.
SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD, FALL AFRESH ON ME.
J.D. Walt writes daily for Seedbed’s Daily Text. He serves as Seedbed’s Sower in Chief. Follow him @jdwalt on Twitter or email him at jd.walt@seedbed.com. Get the Daily Text delivered to your inbox fresh every morning. Subscribe HERE.