Hebrews 12:1-2 (New International Version)
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, 2 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.
My brother talks about the Salmon up in Alaska. As
I think about the salmon making their way up the river to their spawning ground
swimming upstream against the current, I thought of some lessons that we, as
Christians, could learn from them.
Each fall, adult sockeye salmon return to their natal
stream, river, or lake, to spawn and bury their eggs. Salmon have the
determination and perseverance to keep on going until they reach their final
destination -- their spawning ground. Their journey is upstream against the
strong current, which pushes them back many times. Sometimes they get caught in
the Salmon wheel but many make it past.
Our Christian walk is like that of the salmon. We are
battling against the evils of this dark world -- often going against the crowd.
Many times, we, too, come against strong opposition, but we who believe in
Jesus, when we die, will inherit eternal life. We, too, at times, get caught by
Satan, and, although Satan doesn't release us, Jesus does. He is always with
us, showing us how to be free from our sin. Jesus died on the cross for our
sins so that we could win the victory over sin and death.
God has a plan for our lives, just as He has a plan for
the salmon. Let us persevere, then, as the salmon do, year after year, and run
the race marked out for us. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus until, the end of our
journey; we have reached our final destination -- heaven.
Dear Lord we thank You that You have prepared a place for
us, and that You have a plan for each of our lives. Keep us from getting trapped, weary or
discouraged. Help us, through our times of trouble to keep our eyes fixed on You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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