There is an ancient Hebrew Proverb that says, “A death is not the extinguishing of a light. But the putting out of a lamp because the dawn has come.”
This week the Calvary Baptist Church family continued an annual tradition of pausing on the last Sunday of the year to remember those we lost in the last year. We reminded ourselves of the promises of God. They have stepped into the light of Jesus and are home.
Even though losing our loved ones is painful we have one simple truth. We are not done yet. Our journey is not completed. With God’s direction we can finish our race. The author of Hebrews in Hebrews 12:1-3 offers three challenges for running.
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, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
The challenge of our lives is simple. We must run the race. This is a simple word but one that requires intense effort. The root of this word is Agona which is translated agony, an accurate description of those who run. We do well to remember, reflect, and react.
Remember
We are right to remember those who have gone before us in faith. There is a disagreement in interpreting this passage. Many would like to see the great crowd of witnesses looking down on us. We would like to think they see us. We even speak about them watching over us.
The problem is that this is not the teaching of Scripture. We know that there is no sorrow in heaven. Would our loved ones not be filled with sorrow watching us on our most painful days? How could they be? Would they not be disappointed when we willfully fail?
The alternative is to see the witnesses as those who would be able to encourage us through their lives. This interpretation is consistent with the context of Hebrews 12. The author just spent a lengthy chapter outlining the lives of those who had lived faithfully. Their lives are witnesses that we can trust God and depend on Him to lead us. They are examples for us to copy.
Reflect-We can Reflect on Jesus
We are to consider Jesus. The word speaks of a hard, analytical look at Him. He is to be our dead set focus. Like the runner in the sprint who dares not take is eyes off the finish line, we dare not take our eyes off Jesus. He is our point of reference. The author lists five characteristics of Jesus that help us maintain our focus.
- He is the pioneer of our faith. He is the author of your faith. He drafted the story. You come to faith in Jesus because He started the story. You can be sure that He will provide strength for you every day because He goes before you.
- He is the perfecter of our faith. He completes it, brings it to the designated end. He finishes what he starts. He will bring you to the finish line. Do you feel like you cannot go on? He says to run one more lap, to finish the race. You WILL finish. You will receive the prize. You win.
- He joyfully took on the cross. He carried all your adversities, persecution, and sinfulness. He died the death of a despised criminal. He died for you.
- He is seated at the right hand of God. He is sitting there now in the place of honor, glory, and power. While those who went before us are not watching, He is. He sees you as He saw Stephen as he was being stoned to death. He encourages you on.
- He endured opposition. He suffered the pain of those who criticized, lied, and accused Him. He did that for you.
React
The runner at the starting line waits for the sound of the starter’s gun and then must react immediately. Any delay affects the entire race. We should hear the call of Scripture and run with the same determination.
Hebrews records four parts of this challenge.
- Get rid of the dead weight. The runner may train with leg weights to strengthen his muscles. But when the race starts, the weights come off.
Likewise, when we run, we must get rid of anything that will slow us down. We can be hindered by pride, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness and sin.
Our action must be intentional and pronounced. We must throw these things off. We treat anything that slows us down as we would rubbish. Get rid of them, immediately and definitively.
- Run with perseverance. We press on with endurance and diligence. The word is hopomene: a word for steady determination. We are running a marathon, not a sprint.
We think we cannot run one more step. He tells us to press on. Take one more step. Five more minutes. One more lap. Just keep pressing on in faith.
- Run your race. Run the race set out for YOU. You have a specific race. Your struggles are unique, your setting different from the one next to you.
God has set you on a unique path. It is not a sightseeing trip. You must run. You are the only one that can run your race.
- Do not grow weary and quit. Quitting is not an option. No one is called to lie around. Amos 6:1 says, “Woe to those whoa re at ease in Zion.” Press on just a little bit more.
Responding to the Challenge
As you enter 2025, I encourage you to run. Press forward. Do not quit. Receive three messages of encouragement.
- When you get sorrowful-remember.
- When you get discouraged-look at Him.
- When you get weary-endure.
