The word 'weight' here in Greek is 'ogkos', which means 'burden, hindrance', whereas the word 'sin' here is 'hamartia' in Greek, literally meaning 'missing the mark' or 'out of alignment'. The writer of Hebrews wrote that as we run this 'race of faith', we are also to 'lay aside' all these, even as we keep looking unto Jesus, the beginner and 'completor' (the One who completes) of our faith.
Why did the writer of Hebrews say so? Because these weights and sins, if not laid aside, easily 'ensnare' us. This word 'ensnare' in Greek can also mean 'beset, trouble, discourage, thwart, oppose'. In other words, any burden and sin in life, if not let go, eventually besets, troubles, discourages, thwarts, or even opposes whatever God has called you to be or planned (destined) for you to be.
Recently, these words were released during one of our prophetic worship and prayer gathering:
"As the lid that has been hindering you is being removed and pushed away, it will also remove your disappointments. This coming year is a year your hope will not be in vain. This coming year is a year your hope will not be disappointed."
Yes, even as the lid (which represents the 'hindrances' in your life) is being removed and pushed away, your disappointments and discouragements will also be removed! Hebrews 12:12-13 confirms it, 'Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet (i.e. in alignment again). So that what is lame may not be dislocated (i.e. turned out of the way, made worse), but rather be healed (made whole).
Note: 'The hands which hang down, and the feeble knees' here speaks of one's disappointment and discouragement.
Notice also the word 'alignment' is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as 'placing/arranging thing(s) into a straight line or in line, or coming into agreement with somebody'. So, you can also say that 'to be out of alignment' with God is 'to be not in line, or not agreeable' with God and His plan for you. And that's what sin ('hamartia') is defined as in Hebrews 12:1!
People of God, this is a time of realignment and walking into His plan again! Don't get me wrong. Not that we don't align at other times, but just that this is His appointed time. There's a time and season in everything. Let us flow in His time. This is a time to be 'at-one' with Him (i.e. in agreement with Him) again. Notice that's where the word 'atonement' comes from.
Isaiah 44:21-22 says, 'Remember these, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me! I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions. And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you'.
It's when you return to Him that you can be realigned with Him again. But it does take humility on your part. Let's humble ourselves before the Lord this day, knowing that He is God and we are not, and He knows better than us. The Bible says, 'With humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life' (Proverbs 22:4). 1 Peter 5:5-7 says, '... and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care (and that includes weight, burden, hindrance, sin, anxiety, or worry) upon Him, for He cares for you'.
What are the 'weights' and sins that may have 'ensnared' you in recent times? For some of us, it may be pride, for others, it may be uncontrolled lust, and still for some others, it may be a certain addiction to something. Whatever these may be, know that He is here to help you, because He loves you and cares for you. Let go and let Him carry them all. Just do not let anyone condemn you further. In Christ, know that you are now already washed, cleansed, forgiven, and sanctified because of His blood shed for you on the cross (see 2 Corinthians 5:21).
As you let go of these 'weights' and sins to Him, there'll also be new hope. Receive this new hope. This hope will not be in vain, and will not disappoint (Romans 5:5).
Also, if you haven't got your breakthrough or victory yet (even after waiting for some time), take heart and don't give up yet, even if you felt you have tried and exhausted all means, and you thought it's now over, hopeless, and in vain.
The truth is you have not exhausted all means yet! You know why? Because you still have the Holy Spirit in you and with you! The Holy Spirit can never be exhausted! He will never get worn out, and He will never be running out of ideas! He is All-knowing, All-consuming fire, All-wise, and All-powerful, and therefore He can also open a way (out) for you. Ask, and you will receive (Matthew 7:7-8). Recently, the Lord said: "This is the time to ask the Holy Spirit to teach and lead you to pray prayers that lead to your breakthrough!"
Yes, ask of the Holy Spirit to teach and lead you this day! Hebrews
12:25 then says, 'See that you do not refuse Him who speaks...’, because His ways are always higher than yours, just as the heavens are over the earth! (see Isaiah 55:8-9) And because He is also the Spirit of love (Romans 5:5), He will also never lead you into trouble! In fact, on the contrary, His love never fails to bring you out of your trouble! (1 Corinthians 13:8)
People of God, as you return to Him and realign with Him again on this Day of At-one-ment (Isaiah 44:21-22), may Isaiah 44:23 also be upon you this next whole year: 'Sing, O heavens, for the Lord has done it! Shout,
you lower parts of the earth; Break forth into singing, you
mountains, O forest, and every tree in it! For the Lord has redeemed
Jacob, and glorified Himself in Israel'. Amen.
