“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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him 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 sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).                               

I was recently accused of a Facebook fast! Heaven forbid! My accuser must have thought me to be more spiritual than I actually am for, alas, such was not the case. I just had been too involved in some other activities to devote any serious time to that cultural idol called social networking. And it wasn’t that I was becoming a misanthrope – I actually like nearly all my 370 “friends”. But, in pondering this dilemma, I wondered when the last time I intentionally “threw off” anything that was hindering me in my race towards Jesus. The thought is worth some serious “naval gazing” attention because this race is of the utmost importance. 

Here is some of what the writer of Hebrews says about this most critical of all races – one that all who pursue Christ are in (whether we are intentional about it or not): 

  • We are being watched (v.1). Not only the saints that have gone before (see Hebrews 11) but others – fellow Christians, family, co-workers, neighbors, lost acquaintances, and, most importantly, God Himself – are included in our audience. This calls us to greater rigor, determination, and discipline in this test of faith and endurance. 
  • Sin is our primary foe (v. 1). Sin trips, delays, re-routes, fatigues, and injures us in the pursuit of finishing our race well. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Paul’s advice to you Timothy was,  “Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules” (2 Timothy 2:5). 
  • We need to eliminate anything that will slow us down or make us less efficient in our pursuit of Him and His kingdom (v. 1). What is it that, in and of itself, is not bad but serves as a distraction or an obstacle in running for Jesus in the least encumbered way? What should we drop that drags us down and slows our spiritual progress? We should seek first those things that will propel us to race after God’s purpose for us (Matthew 6:33). 
  • We should run with a dogged determination and focused persistence (see 1 Corinthians 9:24). We, despite the twists and turns, hills and valleys of this difficult course, are called to “not lose heart”. The track is not easy one to navigate but the destination, Jesus, is worth the effort (Hebrews 10:36). 
  • Our race is marked out for us (v 1). God Himself has uniquely designed our course for the unique way He created us (see Psalm 139: 13-16). We are not called run someone else’s race nor are we to run like anyone else. He has designed us like we are for the specific purpose of running for Him the track He has configured with us in mind.  
  • This race of faith is filled with pain that is accompanied by joy (v. 2). Jesus is the prime example of this – He endured suffering “for the joy that was set before Him. James tells the scattered Jewish church that, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him (James 1:2). 
  • Fixing our heart’s gaze on Jesus as our reward keeps us moving forward toward our goal – which is imitating Him (v. 3). When we consider the cross we are invigorated to keep the faith and summon from His Spirit the energy and endurance necessary to complete our calling. The Psalmist says that, “My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare” (Psalm 25:15).  

What this passage infers, as do many others, is that in a profound sense Jesus is both the purpose and the reward of this endeavor. When “competing” (Paul calls it “fighting the good fight”) to be more like Him, running to find satisfaction in Him as our prize, and by faith, knowing that He await us with the eternal reward of His presence we get an insight into what should motivate us! When we relentlessly pursue Him we most fully experience His presence in the here and now and are comforted by the hope of a victor’s reward for a life of endurance and a race that is run for His glory. So let’s keep our heart’s eyes locked on Him as we see Him as both the reason for the journey and the prize. And let us run well, keeping that reward in mind: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:25).

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