Text: Hebrews 12:1-3
Introduction:
GPS – suggests to you which is the fastest way to your destination. But suddenly, your connection will get lost. What now?
Ancient tool True North: The North Star is the anchor of the northern sky. It is a landmark, or sky marker, that helps those who follow it determine direction as it glows brightly to guide and lead toward a purposeful destination. – Jennifer Theard
Even in cultural contexts, like during the slavery of Africans in the US and parts of Europe, they used the North Star as the guide for their escape plans and underground passages. Likewise, for fishermen and those people living in the mountains in the Philippines. Their guide through the woods and the vast ocean is also the North Star.
Biblically, in tradition, the Star found in Matthew 2, wherein the Magi saw this star and followed it until they reached the Baby Jesus. It was believed that it was the North Star. Metaphorically speaking, our lives are easily lost and distracted in our journey in this world. And yes, we need a North Star to help us navigate this life. In our passage:
Hebrews 12, “1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Thesis: Jesus is the True North—the north star of life.
Background:
We become distracted by what’s important. Some of you are scrolling on your Facebook wall, Tiktok For You Page, checking who’s gonna win today in NFL Wild Card Giants vs Vikings at 4:30PM, or looking for some highlights of Miss Universe. Well, Miss USA won; she’s half-Filipina from Texas; and yes, her evening gown was made by Rian Fernandez of Pangasinan, and Patrick Isorena made her national costume from Quezon City.
Main Idea:
Christ has suffered, gone through all that the world can give, and died on the cross for us to be like him as we strive to live in this world.
Jesus – the Seven I AMs of Christ
- I am the bread of life – John 6:35-48
- I am the light of the world – John 8:12; 9:5
- I am the door – John 10:9
- I am the good shepherd – John 10:11-14
- I am the resurrection and the life – John 11:25
- I am the way, the truth, and the life – John 14:6
- I am the true vine – John 15:5
The Church – 1 Timothy 3:15; 1 Corinthians 3:11
The church is not the source of truth or the stand of truth. But “the church is what holds up and holds firm the truth in the world.” (GotQuestions) When we sing together and worship God. It aligns us back to God. I love
The Bible – 2 Timothy 3:16
Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Conclusion: This Year 2023, may we all find ourselves faithfully pursuing Jesus in our family, career, and plans ahead.
True North by Twila Paris (01-01-1999)
There’s a strong steady light
That is guiding us home
True North
In the lingering night we
Were never alone
True North
We need an absolute
Compass now more
Than ever before
True north, True north
Ptr. John Paul Arceno
UCBC New Jersey
January 15, 2023