Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
“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.”
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.
Have you ever observed runners in a race? Perhaps you have run in races?
Have you noticed the focus of a runner’s eyes? They are looking straight ahead. In fact, when a runner in a race begins to “look around”, especially when they sense a competitor catching up with them, a sports announcer will often comment how that is not good. Soon after, that runner is passed by that competitor and the eyes of the latter are looking straight ahead.
Even people who jog our run “for fun” seem to have this same focus. Their eyes are looking ahead.
There is a race that Jesus has marked out for us. We fix our eyes on Him. We don’t look to the right or the left. We don’t look back (see Philippians 3:12-14).
This is something that Jesus has recently impressed on me. Don’t look to the right or the left. Don’t be distracted or compare yourself to others. Run the race that I have marked out for you.
And notice the language of community. Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. It’s a unique race that we are running with others, not in competition, but in community. We remember those who have gone on before us and the text references them as “such a great cloud of witnesses” (see Hebrews 11; 12:1).
What does Jesus cause to stand out to you from Scripture today? I encourage you to read Hebrews 11 and 12.
We fix our eyes on Jesus. He alone is worthy (see Hebrews 4:14-16). Let’s pray as He leads us today.
This is a song by Shane & Shane that I wanted to share with you today:
The Lord bless you!
Colossians 1:9-14
