Hebrews 12. The Hebrews 11 tour of the Old Testament and celebration of those who had great faith concludes with this transitional statement: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses… (12:1) Given the example of all who have gone before us, what should we do?!

Run with endurance the race that is set before us! (12:1) Upon further reflection, note these things: The race that a Christian is running is an endurance event; it’s more like an ultra-marathon than a sprint. It takes dedication, focus, exertion, planning, intentionality over an extended period to finish the race of the Christian life! If I invited my marathon-running friends to comment, they would add comments about hydration (water of the Holy Spirit?), about nutrition (the regular intake of the Word?), about having a training plan (discipleship basics anyone?), and so on.

Also note that this endurance race is not a competitive event; but is instead one that everyone is encouraged to finish well. We want everyone to get a finisher’s medal! One does not “win” the Christian race, we are trying simply to finish this ultra-marathon without getting lost or distracted or running out of energy along the way.

Finally, note that it is the race set before us, or the race marked out for us. Though the finish line is the same for all of us, the ultra-marathon path for each one is different. It’s my race path, not yours, and I bring to it my talents, my energy, my challenges. Your race path is necessarily different; just as you have different talents, energies, and challenges. Run the race set before you and stop worrying about what other people are doing. As Jesus said to Peter, “…What is that to you? You follow me.” (John 21:22).

How do we run this ultra-marathon set before us?

Lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles (12:1). Throw off everything that hinders! What are the things that slow us down? This could include things that may not be sinful in themselves, but which slow down or prevent the Christian life – things like habits, friendships, ambitions, and attachments. It could simply be our attitudes and behaviors that drag us down and might keep us from finishing well.

Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith… Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted (12:2-3).

Submit to God’s discipline (12:4-13). The Lord disciplines the one he loves… he disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.

Strive for peace with everyone, and for holiness (12:14).
Do not allow a root of bitterness to spring up (12:15). Do not become defiled by sexual immorality (12:16).

Be attentive to the voice of God. Do not refuse him who is speaking (12:25).

Serve God with reverence and awe. Be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken… offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire (12:28-29).

That is how we are to run with endurance the race set before us! Courage to you!