"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great
cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that
so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for
us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
Hebrews 12:1-2
Last weekend saw the running of the 32nd London
marathon. I watched the end of the event from the comfort of my sofa and I must
admit a secret admiration for all those that took part. Months of dedication,
training in all weather’s, pushing their bodies to achieve their personal
targets. For some it was to win the race, for others it was to beat a
particular time, and for most it was just about enjoying it and making it to
the finish. For every one that took part it took determination and courage to
make it to the end.
The writer to the Hebrews encourages us to “run with
perseverance the race marked out before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” But what
does this mean? Are we by our own efforts and works trying to get the reward
for our salvation?
Earlier in Hebrews we are encouraged to ‘labor to enter the
rest that God had provided.”
The Christian life is a wonderful adventure from the
beautiful place of Rest. God by his grace has provided everything we need, it
is a job done. All we have to do is receive and live in it.
The race we are in is a race into the inheritance and grace
of all that God has provided, as we fix our eyes on Jesus, we center ourselves
into the grace that overflows our life. This is not a race where we try to win,
because we have already won. This is a race of victory, a race of glory, a race
of overwhelming love.
Sin hinders us receiving all that God has for us, The Old
Testament saints look on and marvel at the wonders that we have and the greater
depths that await us, we run from one degree of glory into another degree of
glory.
We already have the prize; the prize is Jesus, in all his
glory and majesty united inside us with all his fullness. As we run into him we
immerse ourselves into the grace of God and we transform ourselves into his
likeness.
