Ed Young says that number three, become a strong finisher. Why should I be a strong finisher? I’ll tell you why. Because Jesus is the ultimate finisher and he is standing at the finish line. He says, “Lock eyes with me.”
Look at Hebrew 12:2, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of throne of God.”
So Christ is saying, “Don’t look to the right. Don’t look to the left. Follow me. Look at me. I endured the cross for you. I had you on my mind when I was spilling my blood on Calvary. I will give you endurance. I will give you power.”
Pastor Ed Young stated that when it comes to endurance, it’s all about stepping aboard the ark. That’s what it is about. The Bible says the ark is a picture or an illustration of the cross of Christ. The ark was made of wood. The cross is made of wood. The Bible says in the Old Testament the ark was covered with pitch, a tar like substance that sealed the ark. “Covered with pitch” is also used in the New Testament to refer to Christ atoning for our sins. His spilled blood, his work on the cross, seals us for eternity. The ark saved Noah and his family from destruction. The cross will save you and me from destruction. The ark only had one door. What did Jesus say? “I am the door. I am the way, the truth and the light.” So, he gives you and me a choice. Dr. Ed Young says, “Either come on board or not. Either step to the door or not.”
When we do, we, my friends, will be empowered with endurance — the ability to stampede through stopping points.
Father, thank you very much for this message. I pray that we apply its truth in every recess and realm of our life. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
Ed Young - “Yeah, I talked to him yesterday about this,” and the truth is you hadn’t talked to this man in a year. Ethical courage. Do you have it? It’s time for us to stop this easy stuff, this jump in the raft, go with the flow type mentality, just who cares, what does it matter, just kind of throwing courage out and going along with the current.
