Run with endurance (Hebrews 12: 1-2)

 


"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." 
Hebrews 12:1‭-‬2 ESV

Running a race isn't easy and requires training. A runner has to stretch and prepare themselves. They need self-discipline so they can pace themselves and not overdo it too quickly. They look at the long-term goal, the prize at the end of the race. With determination, they work through the various hurtles and pain, knowing it's only temporary. Another thing to take note of is that a race is never run alone; there has to be more than one runner for it to be a race. By this analogy, our text tells us so much about how we are to live this life. Just as a racer is surrounded by other racers, so we too are surrounded by "a cloud of witnesses," God's people. Just as a racer must set aside all things so they can focus on the goal so we too must set aside "every weight and sin" and focus on Jesus and our eternal goal. This means we need to have endurance as we live the life God has set before us. There will be hurtles and tough times, but we can look to Jesus, who "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of God." What does this all mean for us? The joy that was set before Jesus is doing the will of His Father and reuniting us with the Father. The fact that it was set before Him indicates it was all part of God's plan. Thus, our prize is Jesus, and our joy is also aligning ourselves with the Will of God that we may win the prize and be reunited with God. 
This life may be tough and full of hurtles, but as Christians, we can know it's only temporary. We can hold on to the goal and strive to set aside all our sins and burdens and look to Jesus. Live your life as Jesus did, with endurance and confidence in God's plan for you.


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