Run the Race
Which Kingdom Race will You Run? (the earthly race or the heavenly race)
It is very easy to run the earthly race. It comes very natural to run a race of selfishness. Not many of us find it difficult to pursue the passions and pleasures of the world that well up within us.
While this is true, followers of Christ are called to endure a different race. In 2 Timothy 4, toward the end of his life on earth, Paul writes to young Timothy – I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.
As Paul has run the race, keeping the faith, the writer of Hebrews is charging us to do the same. Not only is there a charge to run the race of faith with endurance, the writer explains to us how to run the race in chapter 12. And in the previous chapter, Hebrews 11, the writer gives us numerous folks from the Old Testament who ran the race of faith.
Read Hebrews 11:1-40
Read Hebrews 12:1-17
How do we run the race of faith?
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Verse 1 - We run …laying aside every weight and sin which clings so closely. (Read Hebrews 11:23-28)
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Verse 2 - We run …with endurance…looking to Jesus a. Jesus our Savior (founder & perfecter of our faith) b. Jesus our example (endured the cross, despising the shame) c. Jesus our advocate/mediator (seated at the right hand of the throne of God)
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Verse 3 - We run …Consider(ing) Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself. Thinking about Jesus, Being mindful of Christ Jesus as He endured great hostility.
Why do we run laying aside weight and sin, with our eyes and minds fixed on Christ Jesus?
Verse 3 - …so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
- Verse 5 – We run remembering that we belong to God. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
As we run with endurance the race of faith, God is faithfully doing a wonderful work in us and through us.
Verse 10 - …he (God) disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness.
Verse 11 – to yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Read Isaiah 40:28-41:4
Close your time in prayer, waiting on the Lord and renewing your strength in Him.