Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV).
The writer of the Book of Hebrews gets to this point in his letter that he uses a very familiar image to remind his readers of the need to “run with endurance” in their journey. The picture is of a great stadium filled with spectators watching those who are running the races so common in that day. Today we would liken it to the Olympics. The final race is about to get underway, the stadium is packed with thousands of spectators; and, the runners know this is the most important race they have every run. Whatever challenges they face must be overcome if they expect to win.
That is the picture of our journey. In the next few days we will examine some of the faithful men and women of the Scripture as they faced their own challenges and answered with perseverance and faith to finish with victory.
I have noticed in my life that this truth brings two important encouragements to me. First, I can know I am not alone in my journey. Of course, God is with me; but, the presence of all the others who have gone before, me who are in attendance, from their heavenly viewpoint watching and cheering me strengthen me to continue. Perhaps their cheers are muted at times, but they are always there. Just when I seem to falter from the burden of trial or challenge the message of their perseverance and faith gives me strength to continue. Second, I know I have not been forgotten by those whom I have loved and now gone before me into their heavenly home. They are able to watch as I face every challenge. They know everything that is happening in my life. Their death was not the end of our relationship. It is only a change in geographical position.
My prayer is that in each of these devotionals you will grow more acquainted with these two truths and be encouraged to “run with endurance the race set before you.”