Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith...
THE RACE OF FAITH: A SPECTATOR SPORT
In our Christian race of faith we do well to remember that "we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses..."
I enjoy sports and sporting events. It is said--and evidence supports the fact--that home teams have the advantage with all the cheering spectators. Underdog football teams often pull an upset as the "twelfth man" in the stands cheers them to victory.
In a sense our Christian race of faith is a spectator sport. From the starting gun (baptism) until the finish line (heaven), we have a "twelfth man," a strong supporting cast (see the heroes of faith listed in the previous chapter).
Listen as that crowd of witnesses--like Abraham, Moses, Gideon, David, Sarah and Rahab, each of whom strove mightily to obtain heaven's crown of gold and, by God's good grace, were victorious--is cheering us on: "Trust God! His promises are sure! Keep at it! Don’t give up! Victory is yours! Run, run, run!"
In the race of faith it can happen that a runner stumbles and falls. No need to despair; victory is still attainable. The Savior Himself reminds that the angelic host is a "twelfth man" cheering on the fallen runner, for there is "more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance" (Luke 15:7).
Saints, see the cloud of witnesses surround us,
Their lives of faith encourage and astound us.
Hear how the Master praised their faith so fervent:
"Well done, My servant!"
They call to us, "Your timid footsteps lengthen,
Throw off sin's weight, your halting weakness strengthen.
We kept the faith, we shed our blood, were martyred;
Our lives we bartered."
Come, let us fix our sight on Christ who suffered,
He faced the cross, His sinless life He offered;
He scorned the shame, He died, our death enduring,
Our hope securing.
(Lutheran Service Book, 667:1, 3-4)
