Run the Race

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Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

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, 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Devotion:

This scripture opens with a statement that immediately brings up a question. Who is in this great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us? Are they those Christians who have gone before us? Can those who have passed on see us? The text seems to say yes to both questions. What kind of exemplary lives should we then live if this is the case? We must then, as the next section of the passage states, rid ourselves of anything that would hinder us. And if we stumble at some point during the race, we can be cheered by the knowledge that there is a great crowd encouraging us no matter what.

The author of Hebrews then encourages us to fix our eyes on the prize we receive at the end of our race. Jesus, He is the one who is our goal. He is the object of our faith. We can be sure that if we intend to run our race in faith, life with Jesus will be our reward. We are admonished to run with perseverance because our race is not a sprint but a marathon that requires patience and endurance from us.

We can do this because of the race Jesus ran during His life on earth. He not only left His place with the Father in heaven to come to earth, but He lived a sinless life and endured a criminal's death on the cross to pay for sins He never committed. He knew the outcome of His life would be worth the effort and pain He would suffer. The reward He received was being seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven and receiving praise forevermore.

Therefore, we should never get discouraged if our race gets difficult or dangerous. Jesus suffered, and as His followers, we should expect some degree of suffering when we follow His path. We can be refreshed in the knowledge that our life is hidden in Christ for all eternity. Let us then pray that we may be found following Jesus’ way.

Prayer:

Lord, help us as we seek to follow you on the upward path of life. May we be encouraged by the great crowd of witnesses who have gone before us and stand by, cheering us on. Keep us fixed on the goal of our lives, which is to be part of God’s new creation forever. May others who see us running the race become interested in running alongside us. May our lives always glorify you and bring you praise. In Jesus name we pray, Amen. 

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