The Race of Life

Hebrews 12:1-3, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. ² We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. ³ Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” (NLT)

The Word of God has not only presented us the opportunity to be involved in the race of life but it has also provided us the means and ability to win the race of life!  We need to rejoice in the fact that Christ has not only called us to join Him in this race He has also provided the directions and guidance that we need to successfully navigate the course that lies in front of us. The present day church needs to take hope in the fact that we are surrounded by witnesses who have already run their race or they are presently running their individual race. This epistle not only provides doctrinal instruction but it is a source of encouragement. The epistle makes reference to the dangers peculiar to the Hebrew Christians but it also inspires them with courage. Surrounded with a cloud of witnesses like these of Chapter 11, they ought to feel themselves compelled to follow their steps, running with patience the race set before them, and above all looking away from every difficulty to focus on Jesus. Jesus, who had run the life of faith, had been sustained by the joy that was set before Him, and, having reached the goal, had taken His seat in glory at the right hand of God.  

This passage presents the Lord, not just as He who bestows faith, but as He who has Himself run His race of life in faith and by faith. The obedience and the perseverance of the Lord had been subjected to every trial of which human nature is susceptible. Let us look at some of the struggles that Christ faced:  Men had arisen in opposition, the adversary had waged war beginning at His birth when He was taken to Egypt to avoid death, and He had felt the human pain of being forsaken of God as He hung on the cross. Even His disciples flee when He is in danger, His intimate friend betrays Him; and He looks for someone to have compassion on Him and finds no one. Although from human perspective it appears that Christ has lost the race He is actually carried off in victory through His submission to death, and takes His seat in a glory. Jesus, then, who has attained the glory due to Him, becomes an example to us in the sufferings through which He passed; therefore we are neither to lose courage nor to grow weary.