Monday, September 12

Run the race

Scripture: Isaiah 23-24, Hebrews 12

Hebrews 12:1–2 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Observation

I love biblical athletic metaphors. Here, the author of Hebrews compares our life with Jesus to running a race. His readers were discouraged and in danger of giving up, quitting. He encourages them to:

      • Lay aside every weight or hindrance that slows them down and every sin that trips them up. Runners strip down for a race. They aren’t carrying extra weight that would slow them down, or wearing long clothes that could trip them up. 
      • Run with endurance the race set before you. Endurance is one of the author’s themes. Keep going. Don’t quit even when it’s hard or discouraging.
      • Keep your eyes on Jesus. He started this race and finished it before us. And He is running with us now. Study how He did it. He endured the shame and pain of the cross for the joy that lay ahead. Keep looking at Jesus so that you can endure, keep going when it’s hard, and experience the joy of finishing the race. 

Application

Three questions to consider:

First, what is slowing me down or tripping me up as I follow Jesus? Prayerfully identify that…and lay it aside. The word “lay aside” was used literally of taking off clothes. Imagine being at the start of a race and stripping off the clothes that slow you down. I can picture the starting blocks of Bloomsday lined with hundreds of pants and sweatshirts tossed aside for the race. Do that with whatever is slowing you down or tripping you up. 

Second, what is discouraging me or wearing me out, making me want to quit? Prayerfully identify that…and ask Jesus to give you strength to endure, to keep running. 

Third, how can I keep my eyes on Jesus? Prayerfully identify what distracts me…and then look back to Jesus. He is the starter and finisher of the race and of my faith. He will give me the strength to run and finish well. 

Prayer: Lord, I want to run and finish well. Remind me when I get tired or discouraged or distracted to keep my eyes and Jesus and keep running!