Read Hebrews 12 Christians Race

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, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV)

The examples - therefore, as following what was written earlier in Hebrews 11:4-49 Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses and many heroes of faith, we are encouraged by these witnesses of Gods faithfulness to press on.

The encumbrances - that are impediments to our journey of faith. These are weight, like past baggage, our traditions, legalism, worries, burden and concerns even too many good things to do that may hinders us from moving forwards. Immorality, indulgences and addictions. The sin which so easily ensnares, entices, endanger us. We are vulnerable. It causes us to look to ourselves in our failures. It causes guilt and result in condemnation. We began to doubt and fall away.

The event - is the race that is set before us. This life is likened to a marathon. There is an end to it. It implies determination, discipline and endurance; we have to run with perseverance and patience. It is more than physical but mental, emotional and for us, spiritual as well. "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. :25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. :26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. " (1Cor. 9:24-26)

The emulating - Jesus who is the beginning and completion of our faith. He is with us right from the start to the end. He is above all the examples of heroes of faith who bore us witness. He is the One empowering us through the Spirit. Seeing Jesus as having actually taken our place. The joy set before Him was seeing our faces that we will receive the abundant and eternal life, the inheritance and co-heirs with Him. It wasnt the cross brings joy. It was the one He asked and struggled to have it be bypassed at Gethsemane. It was the most shameful death but He despised it in comparison to the glory we will received.

The end - assures us of our triumph as He is now at the place of exaltation and authority in the throne of God as our Great High Priest. He is the One whom have personal encounters and anchor of our faith.

Prayer: Lord You are my Vision and seeing You, temptation loses its power and sin its grip over my life that enable me to finish well.

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