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, 2 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.
I remember watching the 1976 Olympic Decathlon and wanting to be like Bruce Jenner. Now I wish he were more like me. I went out in the yard to try my skills. Not good. I quit immediately. The author of Hebrews had just listed the champions we would want to emulate. He then told us what prevents us, and them, from running the race well. We are weighted down by sin and it slows us down, tires us, and eventually gets us to quit. There is a reason running shoes weigh just a few ounces. We run better that way.
One look at the lives of these heroes and we see the same sins as us, and worse. There is only one to look at and try to emulate. The author tells us to look to Jesus. He is the only champion that chose to lose so we could win. Now he is the victor over all on the throne. That is definitely something for us to cheer about, and imitate. Let us shout cheers of praise to Jesus more than to basketball players. His victory is better. And forever.
Dear Lord, thank you that you are the Great Victor in the race. Help us to run the race with the lightest shoes possible by training us not to sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen.