12 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, 2 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. Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
ENDURANCE. In running the race of faith set before us, this is what we need (Heb. 10:35-39). This race is no spectator sport, but a daily struggle against unbelief. Our progress can be hindered as we get weighed down by trials and dragged off course by besetting sins. To us runners in the race, perhaps weary and disheartened, the author of Hebrews gives us the words of exhortation above.
Look Around
We are exhorted to keep running by looking around us. Surrounding us is a great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 11) who exemplified persevering faith. Moreover, these saints kept running despite not having received what had been promised, namely Christ (Heb. 11:39-40).
Therefore, if these saints kept running then how much should we for whom God has spoken fully and finally by His Son (Heb. 1) and to which we must pay close attention lest we drift from it (Heb. 2).
Looking to Jesus
Secondly we are encouraged to keep running by looking to Jesus.
It is as we fix our eyes on Him, our undisputed champion of faith, that we lay aside all bitterness and unbelief that would lead us to fall away from the living God (Heb. 3:12). Looking to Him who never shrank back but who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame. As we strive for holiness (Heb. 12:14) we turn to Him who in every way was tempted as we are, yet did not sin (Heb. 4:15).
The race is not easy, but Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. Now seated at the right hand of the Father with all the power and authority to ensure we will make it to the end. Will we stumble? Absolutely. However, let us look to our Great High Priest, who by sacrificing Himself has perfected forever those who are being made holy (Heb. 10:14).
Jesus knows our every weakness and when we fall down. However, this doesn’t cause Him to back away but instead He invites us to boldly draw near to receive the mercy and find the grace we need (Heb. 4:16).
So let us look to Jesus, the same yesterday, today and forever, and encourage one another to keep running the race.