“Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12: 1-3
Recently I have been struck afresh by these verses in Hebrews 12.
Jesus Christ is our perfect and only example for running “the race” He set before us. He not only made a way for us to run -dying on the cross- but also showed us how to run -coming from Heaven to earth in the form of man, and through His resurrection, equipping us to run this race by His indwelling Life. He even gives us instructions through the written word, the Bible.
We are to rid ourselves of anything that gets in the way and easily entangles us from the race. To rid means to lay aside. We are to lay aside those things that are getting in the way or obstructing our path to what has been set before us. What are those obstacles of which you and I need to rid ourselves?
We are also told to run the race with endurance, steadfastness, and faithfulness. Since Jesus is our example, we look to Him alone! I am in awe that Jesus endured the cross for the JOY set before Him. It was His JOY for you and me to be shown grace; be saved from death and to be given life of the highest quality: Eternal Life.
This can only come from Him. What a gift!!
With this in mind, we consider Jesus Christ:
- He who undeservingly endured what we deserved!
- It’s His JOY that you and I be saved
- He gives us all that we need
- He’s the Originator and Perfecter of our faith
- His love for us is beyond our comprehension!
As we consider who He is and what He has done, we are renewed and strengthened -not growing weary or lose heart! We can run the race set before us with endurance in light of Who He is; responding to Him in humility, gratitude, and awe!
By: Miriam Ellershaw
