Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV): Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
In this race of life that all of God’s people are in, often an obstacle course, full of traps and snares designed by the enemy to discourage and waylay, the finish line is Jesus Himself. Just as a runner keeps his mind and eyes on the tape marking victory at the end of the race, so we need to keep our eyes on Jesus at the end of our journey. Just as the runner’s view of the finish line motivates him or her to keep pushing forward, even when they are tired and hurting, so a clear vision of Jesus will help all of God’s people keep moving forward, even when the way is hard and painful.
And, just like the cheers of the crowd yelling from the sidelines is very motivating, so this great cloud of witnesses, people who have already succeeded in their own race (often over a tougher course than the one we are running), is designed to motivate us, to help us to realize that this really can be done. But even all of those cheers will only move us so far. The key is still to keep a clear view of Jesus at all times. He’s the One who made the race possible and the victory sure. With Him as our model and Christlikeness our goal, we have all that we need to not just enter the race, but to finish the course.
Father, thank You for those who have gone before us, all of those who have succeeded in the race and now are cheering us on. And, most of all, thank You for Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who makes ALL things possible. Help me to keep my eyes locked on Him always. Amen.