Hebrews 12 begins with the word "therefore". This word connects what follows with the teachings in chapter 11, the "Hall of Fame of Faith". These examples of "saving faith" are a cloud of witnesses who encourage us as we race for the crown, a race we must all run. The faithful ran, finished, and "obtained a good report". Having faithfully run their races, down through the ages, they've encouraged others to follow their examples and finish their own races. Look to them for encouragement when you face difficulties and obstacles? Their undying, fervent spirits inspire us as we race toward life's finish line.
"...Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." {Hebrews 12:1} If we are ever going to finish this race in the proper manner we must get rid of the sin in our lives that hinder our efforts toward victory. We are in a race for "an imperishable crown". "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." {1 Corinthians 9:24-27} All of us can be distracted from our objective to stay on the track! All of us are tempted by different things to allure us off the track. The devil knows our weaknesses. We must strive earnestly to turn away all the tricks the devil places in our way to try to cause us to lose our race.
We must run with endurance. We are in a long distance race -- not a sprint. We must pace ourselves so we don't tired at the end and forget our goal. This race will take your whole life to run. The idea here is perseverance; a determination not to be distracted from the goal -- an eternal home with God in heaven. Mastering every obstacle before us helps strengthen us for the next hurdle we must get over. The victors are the ones who will stay with it, James 1:12.
"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." {Hebrews 12:2} We must have concentration and focus on the Master. Every successful participant constantly has his eyes on the goal that is set before him. In this race we keep our eyes fixed on the Lord. Why? He is the greatest example on how to run a race with patience to the victory circle! "For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin." {Hebrews 12:3,4} Did Jesus ever take His eyes off the finish line during His life on earth? He knew it would end at the cross but He also knew by enduring that cross we would have the ability to win our race in life! Never forget where your strength lies in this grueling "race for the crown". Never forget the words of Paul, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." {Philippians 4:13}
Dear reader, how are you doing in your race? Have you got on the track yet by becoming one of God's children? Did you start but lose your way by the obstacles placed before you? Why not get back in the race today? Don't delay you do not know when your race will come to an end or the day that God calls us all to the finish line! May God help us all to understand this is the most important race we will ever enter -- and winning is everything in this race!