Run the Race Set Before Us

Hebrews 12: 1-4 (ESV) “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 perfector 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. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.”

According to this scripture, the race does not sound like an easy one. Resisting sin to the point of shedding your blood? Are there any of us willing to do this? We are to run with endurance and commitment. The writer says it will be a struggle. We are to lay aside every weight and sin that clings closely to us. Focus on Christ, the founder and perfector of our faith. And run!

We tend to hope and pray that Christ removes all our barriers to a closer and smoother walk with Him. But that is hardly the case. The world, sin, and the devil are after us to do one thing, destroy us! Getting together to laugh and visit on a Sunday morning might not be enough. We must press onward together as warriors in a desperate battle. Eternity is at stake!

Let me ask you this; How can we tell if the person next to us in church is hurting or struggling or not? We don’t confess because we don’t want to look unspiritual, or weak. We don’t ask because we don’t want to seem intrusive. We are too polite.

But, if I ask you if everything is okay, and you blurt out some great need or failure then I am responsible to respond in a spiritual manner. But what if I am unprepared to deal with truth in my own right? It should lead me to think that I can give no helpful answers because I myself am weak in the truth of God.

If I wish to run the race then I must lay aside anything that has to do with casual Christianity, grab my Bible, and prepare for battle. If I am not immersed in scripture, I am of no help to anyone. If I am not being obedient to the ways of the Spirit, again I am of no help. And if I am not running the race with endurance, how can I invite you to come along with me.

We have a responsibility to each other to run, and care, and read, and exhort! That is real church! Please lay aside any and all indifference to our race and show a steady endurance to the call of Christ on our lives. So, run!

Amen?