Hebrews 12:1-2

Hebrews 12:1-2 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, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Chapter 11 of Hebrews gives a thorough description of faith and many Biblical heroes who acted on their faith and did mighty works in service of the Kingdom of God. In verse one of Chapter 12, these heroes are referred to as a great cloud of witnesses, and believers are exhorted to get rid of sin and lay aside all worldly hindrances so they can run with endurance the race that is set before them. This is a call for believers to be active in their sanctification. Just as the geese in the photo above are active in their migration south, Christians are called to be active and run the race of Christian growth. Christians are enabled by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit to pursue this growth and actively participate in service to the Kingdom of God. This verse infers urgency when it uses the word run rather than walk or stroll. It does not say, “If you feel led and have the time, then participate in kingdom work.”

Verse 2 of this passage tells us to look to Jesus and be encouraged by the example he set and the salvation he accomplished by enduring the cross on our behalf. As we meditate on the person and work of Jesus Christ, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for what he suffered in order that sinners may have eternal life. It is inconceivable that redeemed sinners would flatly refuse to follow the urging of the Holy Spirit and Scripture to run the race. Believers are still sinners and still wage war against sin, and they may walk instead of run and perhaps even pause and stop at times; however, they have been given a new heart and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and this assures that they will respond to the new life they have been given. In contrast, Scripture tells us that those sinners that have not been redeemed do not have the indwelling Holy Spirit, do not run the race and, in fact, are hostile to God and cannot respond.

Praise God that his grace not only saves and justifies, but it also enables redeemed sinners to run the race of sanctification which believers are called to do in this passage.