Eagerly Await New Jerusalem with Endurance (2)
Today we hope for what we do not see and wait with endurance. New Jerusalem is the consummation of everything for which we hope and endure.
Today we “put away every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us and run with endurance the race which is set before us, looking away unto Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith” (Heb. 12:1-2). Both our putting away and our running with endurance depend on “looking 
away unto Jesus.”
To look away to Him is to turn our heart to Him. “Whenever their heart turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” (2 Cor. 3:16). The encumbrances and sins in Hebrews 12 are the veil in this verse.
When we turn our heart to the Lord, and come to His word with rejoicing and prayer, we gain a clear view of Him and His purpose. We see that the encumbrances and entangling things of this age cannot hinder our being conformed to His image to prepare us for New Jerusalem.
The more we see the Lord and His purpose, the more we get empowered to endure the outward difficulties. This is Colossians 1:11, “Being empowered with all power, according to the might of His glory, unto all endurance and long-suffering with joy.”
Lord, draw us to turn to You and show us more of Yourself, Your kingdom, and New Jerusalem.
Posted by Don on September 29, 2021
