How well are you running?

“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.” (Hebrews 12:1,2). These verses seem to summarize the worship and walk of the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Christian life is referred to as “the race.” And the race constitutes a life of faith, discipline, and endurance.

Jesus Christ is our perfect and greatest example in living the Christian life. He victoriously conquered sin, death, hell, and the grave when He died and rose from the dead. And now He is exalted at God’s right hand – as our great High Priest – representing us before His Father.

Our text says “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Endurance means to “keep on keeping on” without stopping, even in the face of difficulties or setbacks along the way. Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of endurance and perseverance. He “endured the cross.” This is most significant. Had there been no Cross, there could be no resurrection. The Cross speaks of suffering and death. And yet, Jesus endured the Cross

Interestingly, Paul tells the Christians in Rome, “we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character.” (Romans 5:3,4). The believer’s character sets him apart and distinct from the unbeliever who lives according to the dictates of the world.

William MacDonald makes an insightful commentary on Hebrews 12:2. Referring to Jesus as the author, or pioneer, of our faith, MacDonald writes, “He not only began the race but finished it triumphantly. For him the race course stretched from heaven to Bethlehem, then on to Gethsemane and Calvary, then out of the tomb and back to heaven. At no time did He falter or turn back. He kept His eyes fixed on the coming glory when all the redeemed would be gathered with Him eternally. This enabled Him to think nothing of shame and to endure suffering and death. Today He is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Believer’s Bible Commentary pp. 2202, 2203).

God doesn’t promise that the Christian life to be an easy experience. Neither does He expects His people to go it alone. God keeps his promise. “He will not leave you or forsake you.” 

(Deuteronomy 31:6). The key is to keep our eyes focused on the Lord who looked beyond this earthly scene “for the joy that was set before him.” The inspiring thought here is that the best lies beyond this present sin-defiled world. We are saved not only for time but for all eternity. The prospects are bright for the believer.

“Looking unto Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” Obviously, we cannot see Jesus with our natural eyes. But with the “eye of faith” we look to Him as our risen glorified Lord and great Savior who endured the unimaginable pain and suffering on that Cross to perfect our faith. Because of all Jesus endured, we are now able to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” 

As we continue in the Christian race, we are exhorted to “Consider [Jesus] who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (Hebrews 12:3). It is no secret that there have always been hostility and intolerance towards Christians, especially in certain cultures worldwide. This should come as no surprise. Jesus stated, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18). Jesus also said, “They hated me without a cause.” (John 15:25). Even at His trial when Jesus stood before Pilate, Pilate declared of Him, “I guilt no fault in this man,” (Luke 23:4).

Jesus is called “the founder and and perfecter of our faith.” The Christian life begins with faith in Jesus Christ. And this is exactly where the great work of redemption begins. (“Anyone is Christ is a new Creation.”) Jesus works to perfect our faith so that we can remain strong to endure through the obstacles, hindrances and whatever life offers up? This means that in no way are we left alone. 

In view of the Lord’s return, let us continue to “Press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14). And also “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you are called.” (1 Timothy 6:12).