Dear Members and Friends of IBCZ,
In our study of the Book of Hebrews, we have been reminded that as we run our race of faith, it will require perseverance, for there will be all kinds of obstacles that would hinder us from running. But we can persevere by “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Heb. 12:2). Jesus endured even the cross in the race He was called to run. So, as we fix our eyes on Jesus, we will be inspired to run faithfully for we see both His obedience to the Father and His love for us.
But how can we do that, and do that consistently. How can we maintain our focus on Jesus and His sacrificial love for us so that we can be encouraged and strengthened to run our race of faith? The first way, obviously, is to read, mediate on, and absorb the teaching of Scripture as it relates to Jesus and all He has done for us.
A second way is by reading the words or listening to some of the great hymns and songs of the faith that concentrate on Jesus and the depth of His love for us revealed at the cross. We remember words put to music more easily than words alone, so a good thing to do as part of our devotional life is to listen to thoughtful and meaningful songs and hymns about Jesus. Almost all are available on YouTube and other internet sites.
If you are not sure what songs to listen to, here is a brief list. Contemporary songs include:
In Christ Alone – Keith and Kristyn Getty
Power of the Cross – Keith and Kristyn Getty
How Deep the Father’s Love – Keith and Kristyn Getty
Come and See (We Worship at Your Feet) – Graham Kendrick
Meekness and Majesty – Graham Kendrick
The Servant King – Graham Kendrick
Is He Worthy? – Andrew Peterson
Yet Not I, but through Christ in Me – CityAlight
Lead Me to the Cross – Hillsong
This Is Amazing Grace – Phil Wickham
Some of the great hymns are:
O Sacred Head Now Wounded
Jesus Paid It All
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
Crown Him with Many Crowns
Rejoice, the Lord Is King
Blessed Assurance
There are of course, many others. Listening to these will give you a taste of the richness of God’s grace, mercy, and love poured out for us through Jesus and His death for us. Beholding this regularly, fixing our eyes on Jesus, will help us run our race of faith with endurance and joy.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Bob