November 23 – Hebrews 12:1-3. A Great Race.

November 23 – Hebrews 12:1-3. A Great Race.

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.

We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.  Chapter 11 lists many who lived their lives by faith. They are among that cloud of witnesses.  They persevered through many things.

I am surrounded by a great number of people that have gone before me.  They persevered through many things and are among that cloud of witnesses.

We are called to run with perseverance a race marked out for us.

I’m not a runner. I tried several times in my life to enjoy running.  It didn’t happen.  But, I do know that race courses are marked and laid out to challenge runners.  No one offers a marathoner and easy run – if there were no challenge, the run wouldn’t be worth it.  When coming to the end of a race, a marathoner hopes to find those he or she loves cheering and encouraging. It’s always better to end a challenging race surrounded by people who think you are the best runner out there.

The race we are running, though, has been marked out by Jesus Christ.  He is always before us, encouraging us.  He’s already run the race.  He’s made sure that the course is perfect for us.  It isn’t necessarily going to be easy.  It will be a challenge.  Our lives are worth it.

At the end, when we have persevered through it and we are panting from a race well-run, Jesus will be at the right hand of the throne of God.  It is there that we will finally see Him face to face and He will say, “Well done.”