Preparing for the Lord's Day
Jesus is Better
This week, it has been unseasonably warm, a sign that Spring is soon on its way. It is this time of year that many hikers catch Springer Fever. Springer Mountain in Georgia marks the beginning of the 2,000-plus mile Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia in the south to Maine in the north, ending at Mount Katahdin. While most people enjoy the trail for day hikes, weekend getaways, or week-long adventures, some set out to hike the entire trail in one go. These individuals are known as thru-hikers. They commit to walking the entire trail, passing through fourteen states and some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. Yet, many who embark on this journey do not finish. Some give up early, underestimating the trail's difficulty. Others are forced to stop due to injuries, and some become overwhelmed by the monotony of hiking day in and day out for six months straight, leading them to simply give up. Nevertheless, there are those who, each morning, are willing and able to strap on their boots and walk the path. It is these individuals who go from Springer Fever to Katahdin Glory.
This Sunday we come to Hebrews 12:14-17, where the author continues to explore faith through the metaphor of running a race, introduced in the earlier verses of this chapter. He now focuses on the essence of this race—the path we must follow, urging us not to stray but to persistently walk the path Christ has laid before us. The journey is fraught with hindrances and temptations that might lead us astray. Yet, for those of us in Christ, the summit awaits, where we shall see the glory of the Lord. To come prepared for the journey take time this week to read and to meditate upon Hebrews 12:14-17, Genesis 25:29-34, Deuteronomy 29:18, Matthew 5:8, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Peter 1:5-11, 1 John 3:2, and this article on the journey of faith.
This week we will celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper during our worship service. As we receive the elements of bread and wine look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ. For as we physically receive the signs of the Lord’s body and blood, spiritually we feed upon him and all his benefits. Our hymns for this week include “When Morning Gilds the Skies,” “Jesus Paid it All,” and “Lamb of God.”
Text: Hebrews 12:14-17
Title: The Hiker’s Guide to Glory
Outline
- Springer Fever: Starting the Trail
- Thru-Hiker: Walking the Trail
- Yellow Blazing: Getting off the Trail
- Summiting Katahdin: Finishing the Trail