04/15/2015 RUN WITH PERSERVERANCE
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.
Perseverance: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition: the action or condition or an instance of persevering: steadfastness [Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary]
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 set-backs 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 Rehab.
The running analogy and the reference to the various Old Testament examples of “these runners of faith” is powerful. These prior Olympians faced great obstacles. Though they sometimes faltered, doubted and were ridiculed, they just kept running. In the end, they finished their race to glory. These heroes and sheroes are great role models and part of our heavenly crowd of “supporters” and “witnesses” as each of us face our own daily obstacles, trip and stumble, wipe away our doubts and then keep on running “our own race.”
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 supporter. HE not only sees us and is with us, HE is able to carry us to the finish line to victory!