Hebrews 12
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, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter [finisher] 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. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Ready; Set; Go! Are you ready to run the race? We are at the beginning of a new year and it is time to run the course that is set out before us.
Who are these witnesses? The book of Hebrews tells us that life is a race set before us in which we are to compete. Jesus is the goal on which we should fix our eyes. He is the finish line. We are told He endured the cross all for us so that we should be encouraged and strengthened to press on in the face of opposition. All the world are witnesses who will see whether we will glorify Him who gave it all for us. Will they see us persevere?
There are things we must do first:
We must know the course and which way to go.
How do you know which way to go? If you are heading to Boston, you can use Google Maps or your GPS. What if you want to take a spiritual journey and go to the place of Rest across the Jordan? How do you get directions? You read God’s Word, the Bible (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth). Do you know which way to go? If not, ask directions!
We must keep our eye on the prize.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith will give us direction and focus. Jesus will never leave nor forsake you. He will be encouraging you along the route and there, at the finish line, waiting to say “well done thou good and faithful servant!”
We must understand what it takes to start and finish the race.
Luke 14:27-30 (NKJV)
27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’?
Without planning, you cannot know all that is involved in the course you have set. If you don’t finish, your effort may be wasted. There are other consequences as well as mentioned in the Luke passage.
We must know why we run.
John 10: 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.
You must know the WHY of everything you do. If not, you are just a laborer who will give up too easily if things get tough. There is little invested. It seemed like a good idea at the time of inception. I like to use the word “motive”. Are you embarking on this course because parents or friends said you ought to try this? Why are you doing this? What do you hope to accomplish?
I am in the business of changing lives! That may sound arrogant. I don’t mean it to be that way but if I cannot improve your life somehow, why enter into a relationship? I want people to feel better for having known me. I want to brighten my corner of the world! I like the expression “I like me best when I am with you!” I want to bring out the best in others. I want to teach, inspire and encourage.
Joel Osteen says “You should live is such a way as to cause others to win!”
We must train so we have the stamina needed to finish.
James 4:2 says You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.
Will you have the resources to finish the race? What resources are needed? If you look to Jesus, He will give you what you need. God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called! Ask Him!
Many start a race; not all finish. Are you a finisher? Do you have what it takes? Do you know why you are running? Do you know the One who calls you to the race? Are you running your race or His? His race will be more rewarding.
Lord, please reveal to us the race You have marked out for us. Teach us why we run and show us to where we should run. Let us always run to You! Teach us Your ways so we might know You better and understand why You call us to this particular race. And equip us to succeed and finish the race, bringing glory to You in the process. In Your name we pray! Amen!