Bible Study September 26, 2023
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)
12 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
I remember running track in high school during gym class and wind sprints during football and basketball practice. Those days are over for me no more racing. But Paul is talking about a much different race in Hebrews he is talking about the spiritual race we run.
Picture with me the vast stadiums of Greece where they ran the original Olympics, that is the image the writer is trying to lay out for us as we read these scriptures. There is a vast list of people who went before us that show us the way, that provide encouragement that the race can be won.
Sports fans are passionate about their teams. I am a fan but I can sleep at night if my favorite wins or loses. Maybe that doesn’t make me true fan I do not know but I still enjoy a victory. That is what life is about the final victory in life. Every team loses a game, some more often than others. The game of life must be won on the playing field with Jesus as our head coach and looking at these in Hebrews as assistant coaches.
Paul writes about the “cloud of witnesses” that are cheering us on, praying for us, helping us fight the battle. It is by God’s grace that the race can be won by running with endurance to the final tape.
Adversity will come, we will be misunderstood, people will ridicule us but keep in mind what Jesus did for us on the cross of Calvary. When we understand His sacrifice the race can be endured.
The race is worth the effort.
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 