BACKGROUND
Running the Race
Following his description in the previous chapters of the "great cloud" of Old Testament people who bear witness of the life of faith, this writer gives his final admonition and warning:
Run with endurance (perseverance) the race marked out for you.
In order to do this, we must lay aside anything that inhibits us. We must fix our eyes on Jesus as the ultimate example of perseverance who endured the cross and persecution to sit at the eternal throne with the Father.
No believer's trials are as difficult as the one Jesus endured for us. When we go through trials, we are being disciplined as true sons of God so that we might be trained for glory! He disciplines us because He loves us and wants the best for us. Our future is one of righteousness and peace. So, we should let the discipline continue (James 1:2-4; Proverbs 3:11-12).
The writer gave the Hebrews a summary exhortation to renew their strength. If they did this and pursued a straight (the Greek word orthos where we get the word "orthodontics") path, they would even strengthen the weaker among them.
APPLICATION
Are you running the race to win? Do you resist the Lord's discipline rather than embrace it as a tool for maturity and growth?
PRAYER
Lord, may we embrace all that You have for us today. Help us to grow in maturity through the challenges. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
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Running the race!
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