Running the Race

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

The writer of Hebrews wants the best for his audience. He desires greatly their spiritual progress. To that end, he exhorts them, in the verse which serves as our primary emphasis today, ‘Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.’ This is a clear and strong exhortation.  We often hear impassioned preachers, apply it with strong challenges. It is impossible to perform these things such as, ‘lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us,’ in the strength of the flesh because of our force of will or power of resolve. Such a self-focused emphasis merely sets us up for failure. How can we do these things and, ‘run with endurance the race that is set before us?’ The answer lies within the context. How did the heroes of the faith ‘subdue kingdoms, work righteousness, obtain promises, and stop the mouth of lions?’ Simply put, they looked to Christ. How may we succeed in the same manner in which they did? Again, simply put, we look to Christ. All spiritual progress, and success is integrally related to the Person of Christ. There is no growth, no development, no sanctification, no holiness, and no endurance apart from ‘looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.’ Herein lies the secret of all spiritual progress, and successful spiritual living. It is Christ, first, last and always.

Our most Glorious and Wonderful Savior,
we look to You this day and every day,
to enable us to do what we could never do in our own strength.
Hold us up and make us strong and true.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning