Freedom
Fighter 10-14-16
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV) 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a
cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so
closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Couple of thoughts today.Freedom
fighter.....a term with STRONG negative and positive connotations depending on
one's experience and perspective.My boss called me on the spur of the moment
this week and asked me if I wanted to go to Memphis.We drove down to get a
couple of trucks for our operation and drove them back the next day. One other
guy went with us and he was familiar with Memphis,having grown up there. So
while waiting for the trucks we went to get supper.On the ride to Gus's(great
fried chicken and they just opened up a place in Knoxville,check it out) o.k. On
the ride to dinner our friend asked us if we wanted to see The Lorraine Hotel. I
could not figure out why and then it hit me. The Lorraine Hotel was where Martin
Luther King was gunned down.
It took on extra interest for me as I
lived through that and well remember it.As a matter of fact as a high school
senior I had been in Memphis shortly before MLK's murder. Within a couple of
weeks as I remember it. When we pulled up there was the obligatory protest on
the opposing street corner. Some folks had set up a display decrying the waste
of 27 million dollars spent on the museum that has been built adjoining the
hotel itself.
At any rate we got out and walked around
the parking lot,watching the various information kiosks,reliving the history and
atmosphere that led up to the events of that day. We then walked up to the room
and looked at the wreath placed on the second floor balcony.It was all very
surreal......and very sobering. At this time,a staid thought entered my
thinking.The man died fighting for freedom. He had laid aside all for this one
purpose.And herein lieth the lesson.
While I stood gazing at the door to room
306 I was reminded of a conversation I had previously that week. My thoughts
centered on a comment made during that conversation, it went like this"we are on
the last leg of this journey."When this thought crossed my mind,as I scoped out
the boarding house where the fateful shot was fired,I wondered if Dr. King knew
that he was on the last leg of his journey. We'll never know. I personally think
that he did but that is a question for God only.
As I mused today,unsure on what to
write,the verse in Hebrews came to mind.You see this verse not only speaks to
sin in our lives,but the various weights and baggage that saddle us. The
concerns and worries that hinder our efforts at running and FINISHING the race
that the Lord Jesus has set before us.
You see brothers and sisters,this verse
presents us with an uncomfortable dilemma doesn't it? Just this. We ALL are on
the last leg of the journey or approaching the homestretch at breakneck
speed.Our lives are like a vapor the Bible says.It is not a probability, not a
possibility...no,no it is an absolute REALITY. Here it comes ready or
not.
Whether we are world renowned
personalities or paper truck drivers, we have a race that is set before us.
Sometimes the cost of running that race is very expensive. But, the prize for
finishing is precious above all. If we keep looking to the author and finisher
of our faith,if we will allow him to remove all the unnecessary baggage out of
our backpacks,(a lifelong exercise isn't it) then He promises us a crown at the
finish line. Not only that,walking with a lighter load is much more enjoyable
than dragging around a ball and chain don't you think?
Matthew 11:28 (ESV) 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest.
Get alone with God. Let Him take a look
inside that backpack you're toting around.Let the Holy Spirit lighten that load.
It's going to make a huge difference when you and I round the third turn and
enter he homestretch.The last leg.
Psalm 73:25 (ESV) 25 Whom have I in
heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire
besides you.
God Bless
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