What weighs you down or trips you up? The writer of Hebrews likens the Christian life to running a race. In verses 12:1-3, we learn that this race has former runners cheering us on. The writer tells us this because he understands that this race has challenges threatening our progress. But we need more than their cheering. We need someone to run with us, someone who has endured the greatest of challenges and whose presence strengthens us. The writer tells us we have such a presence. “Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding the shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:2) The key to our running is focusing on Jesus. Looking at him is how we run with endurance the race God has marked out for each of us. Remembering him and what he went through unjustly for each of us who know him is how we keep from contemplating quitting the race when it seems so tiring or when we wonder why we are running or if we have what it takes to finish. What is your attitude about what lies ahead as you begin 2023? How are you running these days? If we want to keep pressing on, if we want to finish like so many who have gone before us, we need a regular and fresh vision of our Champion.

Posted by Bob Schindler at 2023-01-10 13:00:13 UTC