LET US RUN OUR RACE HIS WAY

 Proclamation:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

Explanation:

These are the words of an unknown author, who wrote them after the crucifixion of Christ, and the persecution and the scattering of the saints, to encourage them.  He did not want them to give up their beliefs and principals during the hard times they were enduring.  He compared them to a long distance runner who was running a race. He told them to focus on The Lord and not the current problems.  He also told that their suffering was nothing compared to Jesus endured.

Application:

Some things happen to us as consequences of our poor choices, some things happen as punishment for our sins, and some things happen as a test of our faith and commitment.  There can be no testimony without first having a test.  “My son, do not make light of The Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because The Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son.” (Hebrews 12:5-6 which is a quote from Proverbs 3:11-12)  Distance runners suffer physically and mentally during a race.  They don’t carry any unnecessary things or weights with them which would slow them down.  As we run this race which is our life, we will suffer physically and mentally.  Our bodies and our minds will be punished and tested.  We need to keep our eyes on Jesus.  Our sins and disobedience to His Word will hinder us, entangle us, and cause us to quit or to get off course.  We need to throw off everything that is holding us back and persevere.  Let us drop all of the negative baggage that we are carrying, let go of our favorite sinful ways, look to The Lord, and let's run this marathon of life that is before us in a manner that is pleasing to Him and gives God glory. This is not a sprint.  The reward in this race is not won by the swiftest, but by he that endures to the end. (Matthew 10:22)  It is important not only that we run the race but also how we run it.  We cannot control the things that happen to us, all we can control is our reaction to them.  So, let us run our race and act in a Christ-like manner while doing it.