“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,”
Hebrews 12:1
Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. 2009. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
I want to jump right into the body of Scripture, but I see a “therefore”. Better see what it is there for. The eleventh chapter of the letter to the Hebrews has faithfulness as its theme and the superiority of Jesus’ saving work over any partial fulfillment of God’s covenant with Israel as its end. This role call of faithful witnesses follows us into the stadium of chapter twelve. We open with the atmosphere of Ben Hur’s Hippodrome! The cacophony of all faithful God-followers, from creation to the persecuted Jesus-followers of the first century, fill the arena. These are the martyrs, the faithful witnesses of God’s providence. Lord bless them for “the world was not worthy of them” (Hb 11:38).
“When the decision was made to advance to Marathon, a runner was dispatched to Sparta to seek help, and the 9,000 hoplites of Athens marched out to meet their enemies.”
The Ancient World: a Social, Cultural, and Economic History (Nagle, 195-196)
Nagle, D. Brendan. The Ancient World: a Social, Cultural, and Economic History. 9th ed., Sloan Publishing, 2018.
The modern marathon is based on this historic run. A nameless faceless runner was obedient to his charge in seeking help for Athens among the neighboring Spartans. He gave his life over to carry this message. His singular purpose was to send word. It was an imperative message that demanded all his strength. The marathon of life stretches out before us. We are asked, by our Father God, to endure in bearing the good news for the sake of His Kingdom.
One of the great lessons derived from that historic battle between the Greeks and the Persians was its “vindication of the worth of Athenian democracy” (Nagle, 196). The faithfulness of one humble runner fulfilling his role and purpose assisted in uniting a culture in a great triumph over their enemy. The good news of peace is in your hands. The message is for the good of all and it is imperative, destroying death and bringing life (1 Tm 1:10).
“A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”
James 1:12
Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. 2009. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Blessing comes through endurance. The blessings of conditioning and discipline are forged in the trials of persecution and intentional dedication under the active watchfulness of God. This crown of discipline, a benefit of our regeneration and sanctification, is an evergreen laurel to wear in victory. Only when we endure the events and trials, training in excellence and discipline, personal bests and victories are secured. This is the weight-room of the faithful followers of Jesus. We must put in perspiration in the weight-room of personal reading of the Scriptures and active prayer for ourselves and others. True care manifests itself in careful action (James 1:27).
“keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.”
Hebrews 12:2
Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. 2009. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Knowledge of God through Jesus Christ is the end goal. Unification with other Jesus-followers under Him is glory in the end. Our hopes are tied only to the fact that His race is perfectly run and He stands at the finish line to receive us to Himself (Mt 25:23). The only reason we can be devoted and endure is because Jesus, God in human skin, has Hit the gym, busted His butt for our benefit and God’s glory to secure victory! We have received the comforting power of His voice in the Holy Spirit, pushing us on to perfection in Him. Run! Run the race before you. Drop the baggage and follow Him!
“I want to see how many times I can win, and how many times I can run; even when I’m 100. If I’ll be able to just run the last 10 meters, I’ll do it.”
Cosmas Nedti
Hackel, Joyce. “Marathon Winner’s Secret: High-Altitude Runs in Kenya.” Christian Science Monitor, vol. 88, no. 91, 5 Apr. 1996, p. 6.
Cosmas Ndeti, featured in the image at the top of the article, is a three time winner of the Boston Marathon and an Olympian. While training for his fourth Boston Marathon on the rocky terrain of Mt. Kenya, Cosmas ran barefoot. When his trainer offered him shoes he replied “they made him too heavy” (Hackel). What are we willing to kick off to pursue perfection in Christ Jesus? Young or old, it doesn’t matter, just run barefooted into the arms of Jesus Christ!
“Remember, God is as Great as He is Good!”
Noah R. Hunt
POIEMA: Created for Truth 