February 5, 2025
Hebrews 12:1-3
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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
As followers of Jesus, we have each been given "the race marked out for us" to run. There are times in our lives when the race becomes exhausting, and we don’t think we have what it takes to continue, the tank is empty, and living in faithfulness, staying on course, can seem to great. We simply want to give up, or at least that is what the enemy of our souls plants in our thought life.
But the writer of Hebrews, is writing to people who were in the struggle big time, suffering harsh consequences for "running the race marked out for them," as followers of Jesus. The author of Hebrews draws these fearful and discouraged people's attention to the faithful witnesses who have gone before them, and who are now cheering them on.
That is a wonderful image for us too, dont you think. We are on the track, and in the stands, cheering us on are not just some ordinary spectators, but people who have run the race before us, and they know the battle and the struggle to be faithful. From their stories and witness we are encouraged to throw off the hindrances of sin, doubt and earthly entanglements; we are told in our reading today that our success depends upon our ability to fix our eyes on Jesus. He’s at the finish line. And focusing our gaze upon Him gives us clear direction for our life course.
So, as we run, let us glance every once in a while into the stands and see our cheering section, you will recognize some faces, Moses? sure, but also of family, Moms and Dads, siblings, Grandparents, faithful fellow worshippers, earthly companions who witnessed into our lives God's faithfulness and who kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, "who fought the good fight, and finished the race." (2 Timothy 4:7)
Moses had plenty of distractions, discouragements, and deterrents along the way. But he was in continual relationship and conversation with God, taking one step, one day at a time. "By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward." (Hebrews 11:24-26)
Moses had plenty of distractions, discouragements, and deterrents along the way. But he was in continual relationship and conversation with God, taking one step, one day at a time. "By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward." (Hebrews 11:24-26)
What distractions keep you from focusing your eyes on Jesus and running with perseverance the race marked out for you?
Do not dispair!
Do not dispair!
Amen!!
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