Friday, September 21, 2007
Hebrews 12:1-2 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.
BY GOD'S GRACE YOU ARE READY TO RACE
Here we have the picture of competitors racing in a huge coliseum with the massive crowd filling row upon row, surrounding as a cloud of humanity. This cloud of witnesses is made up of anyone who has gone to be with Christ already -- Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Peter, James, John, even our loved ones who have gone ahead of us to be with the Lord. They are all a testimony that victory in this race is ours because Christ has won.
How do we know Jesus is a trustworthy author and perfecter of our faith, that we should keep our eyes focused on Him? Jesus' work of redeeming the world was His joy. He did not go to the cross dragging his feet. He was not forced or coerced to go to the cross. He took the punishment for you. He suffered God-forsakenness for you. He did this with you in mind. You were the joy set before him. Redeeming and saving you was Jesus' joy.
That is why we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, because he has given us the victory already. Not only did he endure the cross, but he reigns as our risen Savior. He is the one who has gone ahead and run the race perfectly. He is our source of strength and encouragement.
We know that left to ourselves we would not be prepared for the race set before us. We would easily be distracted, go off course, and even be disqualified. Praise God that by His grace we are ready to race.
