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. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Hebrews 12:1-3
My first triathlon was a spring distance: 800 m swim, 10 mile bike, 4 mile run. This is no easy task, even for those athletes who prepare and train.
Before the open event, two people were the first to get in the water, allowed to start several minutes before the rest of the competitors: a blind triathlete and his guide. Considering the struggles of this athlete, and the selflessness of his guide, inspired me to tears before I had to re-psych myself up for my event. I was a competitor, but I was cheering on that athlete.
My family met me to watch me finish. I kept looking for them on my run. When I finally spotted them and my face lit up in a smile, I found the energy to sprint to the finish line, looking at their proud faces. They were my encouragers, the cheering face in the crowd.
We all need people who are on our side, cheering us on, the sight of which makes you push harder, run faster, dig deeper, focus harder. Who are your encouragers in your “races,” the cheering faces in the crowd? Who are you encouraging?
Hebrews 12 compares our walk with Jesus to a race and starts with “therefore” after listing heroes in the Old Testament, who have run the race of faith before us. Some of them were well prepared and trained, while others were not what anyone expected, but equipped by God none the less. These sinner-saints are an encouragement for endurance, we can look to them as we run the race of faith. More than them, the person we are encouraged to look to is Jesus.
Jesus came to earth knowing his finish line was death on the cross for our sake. He lived a perfect life and died because he knew that in the end he would return to heaven and bring all believers with him someday. The struggles Jesus had to endure were far greater than those of an inspiring blind athlete. He endured the cross, the shame of death by crucifixion, and undeserved hostility from guilty sinners.
Jesus’ endurance for our sake reminds us of what we are called to model. We will fail and feel weary on our walk of faith. Yet, we are forgiven and encouraged as we pray the words of the earthly father in Mark 9:24, “I believe; help my unbelief!” We can look to Jesus and his encourage to encourage us in ours, even when it is difficult.
Questions
- How can Jesus’ life and endurance comfort and console you?
- How can reading Scripture and God’s work through people help encourage you when times are tough?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the human encouragers and cheering section you have blessed me with. Jesus, forgive me my sin. I believe, help my unbelief! Holy Spirit, sanctify me and free me from the sin that clings closely, tempting me again and again. In your name I pray, Amen.
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