12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
I came across these verses the other day and I can’t seem to get it out of my head. It just seems to tie so closely to the things that are happening this week- the races in the Olympic games and being surrounded by the cloud of witnesses as we prepare to gather around the Lord’s Table in Holy Communion this Sunday.
It is amazing to me that the writer in Hebrews calls for their listeners to be willing to run the race that is set before us, purely because there are others who have run the race, are running the race along side us, and will run the race in the future. The writer is calling for us to persevere through the race (that is this life we have been given to live) throwing aside anything that will slow us down. But, the writer is not just calling us to run the race alongside the cloud of witnesses, but to run the race looking to Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”
Now, I don’t know if they meant that we are to run towards Jesus, or if we are to run like Jesus. But I’m not sure it really matters. Running towards Jesus would mean that we are living a life that puts us close to Jesus. Running like Jesus would do the same thing. Jesus, as the pioneer, is the one who lead the way, showing us the path of faithful living. So, whether we look to Jesus as a finish line or we look to Jesus as a coach, we are still living a life that is pleasing to God.
Everyone runs differently. Even if we are all running like Jesus, our stride will not be the same because we are not Jesus. We are simply built differently, uniquely, filled with passions and gifts that are different than anyone else. Here in Hebrews however, we are called to remember that we are not running alone. We have a host of saints who have left us tidbits of wisdom that helps us run better. We have a host of saints who are running along side us, holding us up when we feel weak. We have a host of saints who are coming behind us, to continue the work that we began.
So, this week as I reflect on this passage, I find myself forced to ask, “how am I running? Who am I running with? Am I running towards Jesus?” I wonder what it might look like if we all spent time this week reflecting on these questions. I wonder how it would impact the way we live out our faith.
I invite you to discuss and respond with your family, your friends, your running partners. And if you feel like you are running alone, I assure you that you are not. If no one else, you have your Pastor who is willing to run next to you for as long as we are able, looking towards Jesus.
Blessings friends,
Pastor Nicole