Running the Christian Race: Hebrews 12:1

What Choices Do You Make?

Would you say that you do not believe in Jesus Christ or the truths of the bible if someone had a gun to your head and would shoot you if you said you did? Many of us will say we would not make such a denial. We would strongly claim that we would stand firm in our faith even if it meant that we would die. Just like Peter, who told Jesus that although all men forsake Hin he would not do so. When the test came, he denied Jesus three times.  We may sincerely believe we would not deny our faith, however, under pressure or with our lives at stake many of us would do otherwise. Does this mean that we are bad people or liars? Does it mean that we do not love the Lord Jesus?

 

As a litmus test, let us look at the choices we make in everyday situations. If your boss tells you to agree that someone said or did something they didn’t, would you refuse to do so regardless of the consequences? We make everyday choices to fit in, to benefit ourselves, to hurt others whom we envy, to gain favor with people in positions of power, for money, or for a myriad of other reasons. If we do not make right and ethical choices in everyday situations it is highly unlikely that we will do so whenever our lives are at stake. Some of us will make bad choices just to impress others, often failing to remember that God is always witnessing what we do. Our pastor, church brethren, or friends may not be there, but He is.

 

The Book of Hebrews is a letter written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and discouragement. It is relevant to us today because we are also facing trials and discouragement. Hebrews 12 in the Bible is a chapter that encourages Christians to persevere in their faith despite challenges and hardships. The "Christian race" mentioned in Hebrews 12 is a metaphorical reference to the journey of faith that believers undertake. The chapter begins by describing a great cloud of witnesses, referring to the faithful individuals who have gone before, and it encourages believers to run the race set before them with endurance.

 

The author of Hebrews 12:1 wrote, "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" So, how are you performing in the Hebrews 12:1 race? Before you answer let us ensure that we know what the race is about.

 

Understanding the Race

The metaphor of a race suggests the idea of a journey, endurance, and striving toward a goal. In the Christian context, it emphasizes the importance of staying steadfast in faith, overcoming obstacles, and keeping one's focus on Jesus as the ultimate example and source of strength. The race is not a competition against other believers but rather a personal journey of faith, growth, and obedience to God's will.

 

This race is not about how fast we run. It is more about what we do during the race. In other words, how we run it. We each have to run the race in our individual lanes. Just as it is with a track race, the finish line is the same for everyone, but each runner is assigned a lane to run in. The lanes we are assigned are the circumstances in which we live, the issues we have to deal with, the decisions we take, and the resulting consequences we face. At the outset, we have no control over some of the circumstances, just as in life. We did not choose the family that we were born in, the color of our skin, or whether we would be tall or short. As life goes on, however, influences and choices help to shape how we live and the outcome of our lives.

 

The bible makes many references to our lives as a race, is it a sprint or a long-distance race?  In First Corinthians 9: 24 it says “Know ye not that those who run in a race all run, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain it.” What is the prize that we are running for?

 

The Lord teaches us that he has given us 70 years to run the race of life to gain eternal life. Matt 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. At that appointed time we shall all receive a crown. 1 Peter 5:4: "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." Also, in 1 Corinthians 9: 25 “And every man that striveth for mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”

 

Why are receiving a crown? Revelation 5:10 “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Also, 1 Corinthians 6:2 “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world?” What a prize! You and I shall reign, rule, and judge the world with our husband the Lord Jesus Christ. I have still not been able to comprehend what this will be like or even express what it feels like. This, however, is our hope and goal.

 

Hebrews 12 makes it clear that there will be great trials as the enemy of our soul will be trying his best to cause us to lose our prize. This is why Jesus said to run in this race requires endurance, discipline, and focus. To encourage us the writer reminds us that we are not alone in this race, many have gone before us who have also suffered similar trials. He refers to them as a great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us and are cheering us on from the grandstands of heaven. These witnesses are the saints of old who are the heroes of faith mentioned in chapter 11, such as Abraham, Moses, David, and many others. They are witnessing our struggles in this life and are urging us to press on.

 

Lose Excess Weight to Run with Endurance

Usually, athletes prepare for a race. This preparation involves conditioning their bodies to produce peak performance when they are competing in a race. They may have to lose weight to perform better. The verse continues, "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." Here, we're encouraged to shed anything that weighs us down and hinders our progress. Just as a runner sheds unnecessary weight and clothing to run more efficiently, we're called to let go of sin, distractions, and burdens that hinder our spiritual race.

 

Maybe you have a hobby that takes priority over your church involvement or your family responsibilities. Maybe you have a relationship that is not honoring God or edifying you. Maybe you have a possession that you are attached to or obsessed with. It could even be watching TV or playing video games too much. These things may not be wrong in themselves, but they can become weights if they take our eyes off Jesus and our focus off the race. They can also make us weary and sluggish in our running. That's why we need to examine our lives and ask ourselves: Is there anything that is weighing me down? Is there anything that I need to lay aside or give up for the sake of the race? Maybe you struggle with anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, gossip, lying, lust, greed, pride, envy, or another sin that the Bible warns us about.

 

If we want to run with endurance, we need to simplify our lives and eliminate any unnecessary distractions. We need to prioritize what matters most: our relationship with God, our service to His kingdom, and our love for His people. We need to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

 

Think of a runner who is preparing for a marathon. They meticulously train, eat right, and prioritize rest to optimize their performance. Similarly, as believers, we must train ourselves spiritually through prayer, Bible study, fellowship with other believers, witnessing, and regular attendance at church services. These activities will help us in the race for a life with Christ for eternity.

 

Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus - the Prize

The key to excelling in the race is fixing our eyes on Jesus, "the pioneer and perfecter of faith." He is our example and inspiration. He is the one who initiated our faith by dying on the cross for our sins and rising from the dead for our justification. He is also the one who completes our faith by interceding for us at the right hand of God and preparing a place for us in heaven. Jesus is not only the goal of our race but also the one who empowers us to run with endurance. He ran the ultimate race, enduring the cross for the joy set before Him. When we focus on Him, we find strength, motivation, and direction for our own journey of faith.

 

Jesus ran the race before us and finished it with excellence. He endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. He faced opposition, suffering, and death, but He did not give up or give in. He obeyed the Father's will and accomplished His mission. He is the author and finisher of our salvation. That's why we need to look to Jesus as our model and motivation. We need to imitate His character and His conduct. We need to follow His teachings and His commands. We need to trust His promises and His power. We need to fix our eyes on Him and not on the things that are seen but on the things that are unseen (2 Corinthians 4:18).

 

If we want to run with endurance, we need to look to Jesus as our leader and our reward. He is the pioneer and the champion of our race. He is also the judge and the giver of our crown. He is the one who calls us, guides us, strengthens us, and cheers us on. He is the one who awaits us, welcomes us, and crowns us at the finish line.

 

Consider a hiker navigating a challenging trail. To avoid stumbling, they keep their eyes fixed on the path ahead rather than looking down or getting distracted by the surroundings. An athlete in a race is focused on executing all segments of their race well, so they concentrate on their technique as they try to get to the finish line. Similarly, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, the trailblazer of our faith, to navigate life's ups and downs successfully.

 

Applying the Race to Our Lives

Every believer's race looks different. Some may face health challenges, relationship struggles, or financial difficulties. Regardless of the obstacles, the principles of Hebrews 12:1 apply to all. We're called to persevere, shed hindrances, and fix our eyes on Jesus, trusting Him to lead us victoriously to the finish line.

How are we performing in this race? Are we doing well or poorly? Are we running with endurance or with fatigue? Are we running with joy or with sorrow? Are we slowing down? Are we laying aside every weight and sin or are we carrying unnecessary burdens? Are we looking to Jesus or are we distracted by the world?

 

Keep Going

The Hebrews 12:1 race is not easy, but it is a worthwhile race. It is a race that tests our faith, but also grows our faith. It is a race that challenges us, but also blesses us. It is a race that honors God and benefits others. In this race of faith, every step counts. The everyday choices and decisions we make count. Let’s examine ourselves to see if there is anything that we need to lay aside or do to improve our performance. Let us also encourage one another and spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us continually evaluate our performance, shedding anything that hinders us and fixing our eyes on Jesus. Whether we're sprinting through seasons of joy or trudging through valleys of despair, may we run with endurance, knowing that our ultimate prize is Jesus Christ Himself So, how are you performing in the Hebrews 12:1 race?

Trust and Obey: A Challenge for Modern Christians.

One of the most well-known hymns in the Christian tradition is "Trust and Obey", written by John H. Sammis in 1887. The chorus of the hymn goes like this:

“Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

The message of the hymn is simple and clear: if you want to experience joy and peace in your relationship with Jesus, you need to trust Him and obey His commands. But what does it mean to trust and obey Jesus in our contemporary context? How do you trust and obey when the word of Jesus is contrary to your personal beliefs, preferences, or values?

This is not a new question, but it is a relevant one for Christians today. We live in a pluralistic and diverse society, where we encounter different opinions, perspectives, and worldviews daily. We are the product of where we are born, our family, our education, our experience, and our DNA. These make each of us uniquely different. 

You and I are influenced by the culture around us, which often promotes values that are at odds with the teachings of Jesus. For example, our culture may value individualism, materialism, or relativism, while Jesus calls for the rich to bear the infirmities of the poor, to love God and our neighbor, to share, to seek His kingdom first, and to follow his truth. If you carefully examine the teachings of Jesus some would say He is teaching socialism which is opposite to capitalism and individualism which is the prevailing culture presently.

How do you respond to this tension? How do you trust and obey Jesus when His word challenges you to go against the grain of your culture or your beliefs and desires?

In our culture, there are three strikes, and you are out, you hear all the major preachers stating that we must let go of negative people. Yet Jesus says in Matthew 5:43-45

 “Ye have heard that it hath been said, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy.’  But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you, that ye may be the children of your Father who is in Heaven. For He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

How do you reconcile these teachings with your feelings?

Trusting and obeying the word of Jesus many times makes you feel and look foolish to those around you, and to do it requires internal fortitude and faith in Him.

We know we are saved when we believe the preaching or teaching of the gospel that God created the heaven and the earth and made the first man and woman named Adam and Eve, but they disobeyed Him and ate the forbidden fruit, so man was now under the curse of sin. God robed Himself in a body of flesh and we saw Him as the Lord Jesus who came to redeem us from the curse of sin by dying on the cross. Those of us who believe His teaching and are baptized must commit ourselves to following His teaching which will transform our lives to be like Him.

I remember a preacher saying, “If you’ve tried everything and everything failed try Jesus. He will never fail. Give your life to Jesus. Become one of the sons of God and as the King’s son He will make everything okay for you”.  

This captivated my mind and I now believe that serving the Lord will help me to have a better quality of life here on earth and inherit eternal life. I do believe we all want to have a nice home, family, and enough money to live comfortably. We want to feel worthwhile but many times when we have gained all of those, we want other things. We still feel unfulfilled.

Please take a moment to remember the goals and dreams that you had growing up and the goals that you currently have.

As we strive to achieve these things in the journey of life, many challenges arise that have stalled or derailed our dreams or goals leading us to despondency. These challenges may have been the loss of a job, sickness, an accident, a broken relationship, going through a natural disaster or pandemic, financial struggles, the death of a loved one, your children’s problems, quarrels among siblings, and many other issues. Challenges could also have stemmed from your own personal struggles such as temptations, adultery, fornication, and other trials that you are faced with while trying to live a holy and pleasing life guided by the teachings of Christ. This created turmoil in our minds causing many of us to give up, because we felt like hypocrites, so we backslid to our old lifestyles.

This struggle is depicted in the parable of the Sower:

The parable of the Sower is a true reflection of the struggles we all face, Matthew 13: 18-23.    

18 Hear ye, therefore, the parable of the Sower.

19 When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the wayside.

20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

21 Yet hath he, not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some a hundredfold,

 

To trust and obey requires believing certain teachings and principles as truth. First, we are taught the words of the scriptures, and then we must apply them to our daily lives to prove that they are true and to reap the benefits. Just like how we learn to read and write or learn math we must apply what we learn in our daily lives.

Some of the Benefits of Salvation

The Bible teaches that when we are saved, we become the sons of God, and joint-heirs (1 John 3 vs 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God) and (Romans 8: 16-17 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,)

This means we are now by inheritance the owners of the entire universe. (2 Timothy 2:12 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.)

It teaches that we shall have eternal life, this means that we shall live forever.

(1 John 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.)

We are His bride (Rev 19: 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.)

We are His Body (1 Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.)

We shall Judge Angels and the world (1 Corinthians 6: 2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels?)

We shall walk on streets of Gold (Rev 21:21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gates was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.)

The questions for you to answer are ... How is your heart? & What type of soil are you?

As the parable states, when we hear the word of God, believe, understand it, and then begin to apply it in our lives, it begins to change how we think and act. This results in us having a different lifestyle. It becomes the motivation for us to trust and obey the words of Jesus Christ. For the change to become permanent it requires consistency - daily prayer, daily reading of the bible until it becomes a part of our everyday routine. What will happen is that when a trial arises, the Holy Ghost will bring back His word to our memories to guide our response to the trial.

Gradually we will recognize that is not of our own works, but it is just the mercy of Jesus Christ that has been keeping us. As we apply what we learn in our lives, we will begin to change, our characters begin to change, and we become more patient, more forgiving, and less judgmental. We begin to bear the fruits of the spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.)

This means that as we change and develop the likeness of Christ, we begin to impact those around us, and we become positive influences in our homes, with our families, friends at work, and in our communities. Some of us will impact hundreds of people, some sixty, some thirty, and others one. When we trust and obey, over time it brings forth joy in the Lord and a truly purposeful life.

Our main goals change from attaining things to attaining eternal life. Our love grows from self-interest to love for God and all men. We move from a local focus to a universal focus we begin to see all men as our brothers because we recognize that we all have one Father the Lord Jesus Christ.   

Remember ...

- Jesus is Lord. He is not just a teacher, a prophet, or a friend. He is the God, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. He has the right to rule over our lives and to demand our allegiance. He is also the Savior, who died for our sins and rose again to give us eternal life. He loves us more than anyone else and wants what is best for us. Trusting and obeying Him is not only our duty but also our privilege and joy.

- Study His word. The primary way that Jesus reveals His will to us is through his word, the Bible. The Bible is not just a collection of stories, rules, or advice. It is the inspired and authoritative word of God, which shows us who God is, what He has done, and what He expects from us. The Bible is also relevant and applicable to our lives today, as it addresses every aspect of our existence: our beliefs, our values, our relationships, our choices, our emotions, etc. To trust and obey Jesus, we need to study His word regularly, carefully, and prayerfully.

- Seek His guidance. Sometimes we may face situations where we are not sure what to do or how to act. In those cases, we need to seek His guidance through prayer, through the counsel of other Christians, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Prayer is not just a way of asking God for things, but also a way of listening to Him and aligning ourselves with His will. The counsel of other Christians can help us gain insight, wisdom, and accountability from those who share our faith and values. The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts us of sin, teaches us the truth, and empowers us to obey.

- Obey His commands. Trusting Jesus is not enough; we also need to obey Him. Obedience is not optional or conditional; it is essential and expected. Jesus said: "If you love me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15). Obedience is also not burdensome or oppressive; it is liberating and rewarding. Jesus said: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey. This may sound simple, but it is not easy. It requires faith, humility, and courage, but it also leads to joy, peace, and fulfillment. Let us trust and obey Jesus today and every day.

Is Jesus Crazy? 490 Times a Day!

It is easy to tell someone who has been hurt to forgive, however, when you have been hurt it is a different story. Forgiveness is easy to say but sometimes very difficult to do. If you have been hurt and you have been struggling to forgive the person, I understand. I know what it is like to be hurt also. It certainly is not easy to just forgive someone like that, especially when they hurt you deeply. Your natural reaction is that you feel angry and betrayed. You want to get back at them, make them pay, or see them suffer. The problem we struggle with as Christians is Jesus’ teaching about forgiveness. Should we follow his example and forgive those who hurt us?

 

 

Forgiveness means different things to different people. But in general, it involves an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:21-22 that we should forgive not just seven times, but seventy times seven. That means 490 times a day! That sounds impossible, right? How can we forgive someone so many times, especially if they keep hurting us or don't show any remorse? Is Jesus being unreasonable or unrealistic?

No, He is not. Jesus is showing us the way to true peace and freedom. He is teaching us that forgiveness is not a one-time act, but a continuous attitude of the heart. Forgiveness is not about letting the offender off the hook, but about letting go of our resentment and bitterness. Forgiveness is not about denying the pain or injustice but about healing and moving on. Forgiveness is not about being weak or passive, but about being strong and courageous.

Forgiveness does not mean that we condone or excuse the wrong behavior, or that we forget or ignore the harm done. Forgiveness does not mean that we must trust or reconcile with the offender, or that we have to give up our rights or seek justice. Forgiveness means that we release the offender from our anger and revenge and that we entrust them to God's judgment and mercy.

Jesus says that we must forgive four hundred and ninety times a day! It's a number that boggles the mind. How can we possibly forgive someone so frequently, especially if they keep hurting us? It raises the question: Is Jesus setting an unreasonable expectation, or is there a deeper meaning to this teaching?

Jesus' Teachings on Forgiveness

Forgiveness benefits us in many ways. It frees us from the burden of hatred and bitterness that weighs us down and poisons our relationships. It heals our wounds and restores our joy and peace. It opens our hearts to God's grace and love. It enables us to grow in compassion and empathy. It empowers us to break the cycle of violence and revenge. It reflects God's character and glorifies his name.

Forgiveness is not easy, but it is possible with God's help. Jesus himself forgave those who crucified him, and he gave us His Spirit to enable us to forgive others. We can pray for God's strength and grace to forgive, and for his healing and comfort for our pain. We can also seek support from others who can help us process our emotions and guide us in our journey of forgiveness. 

Forgiveness is a gift that we can give to ourselves and others. It is a gift that God has given to us through Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again to give us new life. Let us receive this gift with gratitude and share it with generosity.

The truth is we have sinned many times and each time we ask the Lord Jesus to forgive us and He does, Jesus says He will forgive us of our trespasses to the same degree that we forgive others. What Jesus is emphasizing here is not just the act of forgiveness, but the attitude of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not easy, but it is possible with God's help. Jesus himself forgave those who crucified him, and he gave us His Spirit to enable us to forgive others. We can pray for God's strength and grace to forgive, and for his healing and comfort for our pain. We can also seek support from others who can help us process our emotions and guide us in our journey of forgiveness.

How do we know that our heart has changed? The Lord is going to create a situation where someone hurts you and you find that the instinct to retaliate has been changed with the choice to forgive. Your reaction is different from what it used to be to similar situations. This teaching of Jesus is a radical departure from the eye for an eye principle. It calls for a kind of love that is patient, that is kind, that keeps no record of wrongs. It's a love that embodies the very essence of who Jesus is. This teaching challenges us to let go of our desire for revenge and instead, choose the path of forgiveness, no matter how difficult it may be."

 Summarizing the Lesson

"So, what's the takeaway from this profound teaching?" We've learned that Jesus calls us to forgive ceaselessly, even when it defies our natural instincts. He urges us to set aside the bitterness or the desire for revenge that can so easily creep into our hearts. This teaching embodies a radical form of love and mercy, challenging us to rise above our natural tendencies. "In the face of hurt and betrayal, Jesus challenges us to choose forgiveness, to choose love, and to choose mercy. This, perhaps, is the most difficult, yet the most transformative lesson on forgiveness."

A Personal Test of Forgiveness

"But how do we apply this in our daily lives?" you may ask. Well, it starts with small steps. Remember that one person who hurt you deeply? Perhaps it's an old friend who betrayed you, a colleague who spread rumors about you, or even a family member who let you down, it could also be your spouse. Instead of holding onto that pain, take a deep breath and say in your heart, "I forgive you." It won't be easy, and it certainly won't happen overnight, but it's the first step towards embodying the radical love that Jesus preached. Once you've taken this step, share your experience with others. Encourage them to do the same. Together, we can create a ripple effect of forgiveness and healing.