Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
To accept something from another person, you must be ready to receive it. Parents often tell their children, “Hold out your hands.” Whether you put something down to have your hands free or extend your hands towards another person, these actions come so naturally they are often subconscious. In today’s passage, we are told to “take hold” of eternal life. This does not feel as easy to receive as a bag of groceries or a present. This thing we are asked to take hold of is something we cannot see and struggle to grasp. Many of us know we have been given the gift of eternal life, but we struggle to see what that means for our lives today. How can we take hold of this thing that is such a mystery to us?
Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” To receive what God is ready to give us, we must put down what we are holding on to—our sin and the earthly obstacles that easily entangle us. Then, we can move towards Him and take hold of the eternal life He has called us to.
- What are some daily practices that help us “take hold” of eternal life?
- What are some things keeping you from taking hold of eternal life?
- Pray and ask God to help you take hold of the gift of life He has given to you.
