Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us…run with endurance the race that is set before us…
Given all the examples of the Old Testament saints who persevered in faith despite not receiving, in their lifetimes, the fullness of God’s promise, there is but one thing we, today, living in the era of fulfillment, in Christ can do: press on. Our verses today make it explicit. With so great a cloud of Old Testament witnesses, we must “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” We must trust Jesus even as we cross the finish line into the eternal joy of heaven. The Apostle Paul used the athletic metaphor for the Christian life, and, by which, many believe that Paul was the author of Hebrews. The Christian life is like a race, with conversion the starting point and our entrance into glory the finish line. Finishing a race takes effort to continue running. Various obstacles are in the way. We can get tripped up by our clothing. Our muscles tire and get sore. We may become so exhausted that we just want to give up. None of this surprises us when we run a foot race. Likewise, we should not be surprised that we sometimes find the race of faith difficult. It is supposed to take exertion to press on into glory. An ancient biblical commentator and church father wrote, “God has entered us, as contestants, in a racecourse where it is our lot to be always striving. This place . . . [is] an arena of struggle and of endurance.” We should not grow discouraged. Having been engrafted into Christ through faith in Him alone, we will certainly reach the finish line. No one who begins this race of faith fails to finish it. God glorifies all those whom He justifies. And, run the race we must. Putting to death the sins that beset us and temptations to quit the race are signs that we have been united to Christ forever. As we run the race, Christ will bring us across the finish line. He brings all into His kingdom who look to Him in faith. Therefore, let us continue trusting in Him this day and always as we run the race of faith. Are you discouraged today, thinking that following Jesus is not worth it? Is sin wearing you down, tempting you to give in and to take your eyes off Christ? Now is the time to press on in the strength of the indwelling Holy Spirit, trusting in God and His promises. Look to Jesus today, casting off your sin and asking Him to convince you that the prize at the end of the race is worth it. Only by continually looking to Jesus in faith will we cross into glory.
Source: S C Ball April 22, 2024
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