05/25/2016 RUN, RUN, RUN
Hebrews 12:1 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 perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to JESUS the pioneer 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.
DISCUSSION
Although the writer of the letter to the Hebrews never mentions his name, many attribute the authorship of this epistle to Paul. One of the purposes of the Hebrews letter was to encourage Christians to remain faithful to the faith, despite the hostility around them. Since Greek athleticism and the Olympic Games were well known, the author compares living the Christian life to running a race with perseverance.
The idea of running a race with perseverance means that there will be difficulties, opposition, even temporary setbacks and there may even be so called “failures” during the run. But despite these things, the runner runs on toward the finish line where the ultimate prize awaits. The author states that just like in the Olympic games in a great Greek amphitheater, Christians should remind themselves that there is a great “cloud” of people (i.e. witnesses) there to both cheer them on and to provide inspiration. These include those great Olympians of the Old Testament, mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11, those great “Olympians of Faith.”
Some of the great Olympians of Faith include Able, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Gideon, David and Samuel. There were also women, such as Sarah and Rahab.
But, most of all, HE, who ran a perfect race and is now seated at the right hand of GOD---our EMANUEL (meaning “GOD with us”) ---is our greatest victor and supporter. HE not only sees us and is with us. HE is able to carry us to the finish line to victory!
Run
In “15 Reasons Why Running Is Good For You,” the writers list a number of reasons to run. Here are just a few:
- Running is good for life-According to a University of British Columbia study there was a 20 to 50 percent reduction in premature death in individuals who ran at least 2 miles per day.
- Running improves cardiac Health-The heart is a muscle, pumping blood and providing oxygen and nutrients to the body. Even a moderate running routine can help to lower blood pressure and improve cardiac functioning. Researchers found that running 16 miles per week can halt the advance of heart disease and that running 22 miles a week may reverse the effects of developing cardiovascular disease.
- Running burns off fat-Running is a great way to shed extra pounds.
- Running improves bone health-Running may be one of the best ways to improve bone density health. A comparison was made between runners and cyclists by researchers at the University of Missouri. It was found that 63% of cyclists had low density in the spine and hip bone as compared to 19% of runners.
- Running is a great immune booster-Researchers in Sweden found that people who run at least one hour per day were 18% less likely to develop infections of the upper respiratory tract compared to people who are inactive.
See,“15 Reasons Why Running Is Good For You,” by the Editorial Staff, March 6, 2013, www. Humannhealth.com.