LEARNING DAILY

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.

Whenever the word “therefore” is used in the Bible, it is wise to look back at the previous writing to understand the context of what is being written. The writer of Hebrews has written a warning of falling away from the truth, defined godly faith, has written of the heroes of faith – their victories and their failures – and written to encourage his readers of God’s love for them. He is now writing about applying the knowledge of the truth of God’s love. How can Believers apply daily the knowledge of God’s love for them instead of being distracted? The writer of Hebrews writes the only way to do that is to purposely get rid of their sins and hold on to faith in Jesus as they walk the narrow way each day. He writes, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.”

What sort of race do Believers run? Who has laid out the course? Who defines the purpose of the race? I had the opportunity to run some half marathons, 5k, and 10k runs with my daughter. I would not consider them races; my goal was to finish. It was fun running through those cheering for the runners, those witnessing the race. The writer of Hebrews mentions the “cloud of witnesses,” referring to Chapter 11, that surrounds Believers today. No, they probably are not watching; the point is their testimony lives on for us as an example. Their great faith is an example to each Believer today to continue, to persevere through every hardship they might face. This race we run is certainly not a sprint but a longer race, a marathon, where we are called to stay on the course and remain faithful until the finish line is crossed.

What does this have to do with distractions? They get us off course, to lose our focus, to settle for the good instead of the best. They cause us to take our eyes off Jesus. Distracted! Keep your eyes on Him because He has already finished the race and is at the finish line waiting for us. I can tell you it is a great feeling to see someone waiting at the finish line with a smile on their face and a “well-done” spoken!

Get rid of the things that distract you from your walk or run (I prefer to walk now) on the narrow way. Do not allow anything to hinder you or slow you down from the course Jesus has set before you. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:22-24, “Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” In Romans 12:2 Paul wrote, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Each day Believers are to focus by the discipline of prayer, worship, reading God’s Word, and a self-examination to be sure there is nothing hindering or distracting them from maintaining a Christ-like attitude and walk with Him – even during trials that come.