Hebrews 12:3 “let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so entangles, and let us run”
Walking on a beach a man stopped and asked if we had a knife. He and his wife had found a crab entangled in fishing wire. At first glance no crab but a bundle of wire was visible until its fight for release became clear. My friend produced a pair of scissors from her hand bag as we took turns holding the crab and cutting the wire. A conversation revealed that one of the group had a stalled faith through some complex personal entanglements. The process of untangling the fishing wire encasing and killing the crab helped her see her need of help. It was wonderful to see the crab run at speed towards the sea when we had finished.
Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us we have a crowd of encouragement, we are not alone and that we can become untangled with sin that restricts our chasing after God. The text speaks of sin easily entangling us. Easy because it creeps up, catches us unaware. Like a bright clear sky can slowly become dull, grey and then black. Our eyes become accustomed to it and before long black sky is our norm. The text is not so much concerned with sin and entanglement as the unrestricted freedom we should all be enjoying.
What’s the best we can do for a friend when we find them entangled, restricted or unable to make progress in their faith? Gather around and help release them to freedom through encouragement, cheering them on.
Recently I have been collecting my 9 year old grandson on a tandem. We regularly hit a hill and as the tandem slows and I question my stamina he shouts ‘We can do this’ immediately we surge forward and I find renewed strength.
See someone flagging? Hebrews 12 says there is a ton of people shouting ‘We can do this’. Are you one of them?
Rob Wykes 