Today’s Devotion
Topic: Determined To Run The Race Ahead! (Part 6)
Text: Hebrews 12: 1-3
1 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 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. Amen
We conclude our series today by situating the Christian journey we run in our contemporary world and discussing how practically we must run in the face of all the opposing factors that surround us so that we do not miss our prize when we get to the finish line.
You see, in every athletic event, there are spectators and they always overwhelmingly outnumber the competitors. They are made of people from all walks of life. Some are officials, others may be veterans of the various sporting activities. Yet the majority are those who have come to cheer some competitors on by hoping for the downfall of other equally great opponents. The Christian race is just like that. We live in a world where everyone else, but ourselves, is a spectator. This includes the people in our own households, neighbourhoods, schools, offices and churches.
These people may by themselves neither run the race nor make it any easier for you. Yet they watch you to see what you are going to do per each obstacle, and how you are going to endure to the end. Let us delve a little deeper into out text for the day — Hebrews 12: 1.
I. CLOUD OF WITNESSES: It has been often supposed that the word “witnesses” is used in the sense of spectators of the race. However, for our Christian race, it also stands for the countless hosts or martyrs who bear witness to our faith, and of its power and works. They have been where we are and endured to the end. They offer encouragement to us in our own contest of faith, and for this reason they are mentioned here. This is best contained in the expression “compassed about with so great a cloud.”
However, no interpretation must be allowed to interfere with the chief thought of this passage — and that is that the runner’s steadfast gaze is to be fixed on Him (Jesus) who has Himself traversed the course before us, and is now our Chief Witness as well as Judge and Rewarder.
II. Every Weight — This signifies the excessive size and weight of body which the athlete seeks to reduce by means of training. It may also signify the encumbrance of any burden, unnecessary clothing, and the like. It is here best taken in a general sense, as denoting anything that encumbers, and thus renders the athlete less fitted for the race. In the interpretation, we might perhaps think of the pressure of earthly cares and worries that weigh us down.
It also stands for anything that may not be sinful persay, but has no spiritual benefit to us, or can easily lead to a fruitless “walk” with God. These include excessive sleep, lazy attitude towards the things of God, excuses and even particular lifestyle and choices. They can be weights weighing us down.
III. And the sin which doth so easily entangles us: This refers to sins which easily (or completely) surround us and seek to sway us from the course of Christ. We may compare this sin with a garment — either a loosely fitting garment by which the runner becomes entangled and tripped up, or one that clings closely to him and thus impedes his ease of movement. We are to rid ourselves off them all and fix our eyes on Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
He has Himself run this race and has become our perfect example. For the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross and scorned its shame. He is also a great witness who urges us on to victory; the senior official (judge) and our reward (or prize) as well. With Him as our guide, we can never miss the race marked out for us if we persevere.
Now is the time for some self assessment and evaluation. Are you determined to run this race ahead? Will you hold on to this faith to the end? Will you, like Paul, forget about the past and press on towards the goal for a victorious crown? Meditate upon these and begin to pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you through this journey and help you to run and not get weary. He should help you get rid of all the weights that hinder your pace and the sin that easily entangles you. So that you can keep your gaze on Christ and endure to the end.
Remember, “to him that overcometh, a crown of life shall be. He with the king of glory, shall reign eternally” (except from the hymn: Stand up, Stand up for Jesus). Have a wonderful working week.
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