Metaphors are extremely helpful for someone like myself who is very visual. I enjoy connecting small pieces of life to bigger themes. Christ is described in the Bible through many word pictures. He is called our Anchor. The Light of the World. Our Rock. Our Shield. The Lamb. The Lion. The Way, The Truth , &. The Life. All of these descriptions say something different about his character–all of which help us get to know him more deeply, more fully. When I consider the fact that following Him means I have something firm, immovable to stand on in the midst of the storms of life, I am encouraged. He truly has proven to be my Anchor through some passing storms these last few years.
This afternoon, I’m considering the metaphor of running the race. When I was mentally ‘sick’, experiencing hallucinations, one such passage from Hebrews 12 came up often. It has become a near and dear mental image since for many reasons. I am blessed by the writer’s thoughts, his perspective, his message– calling for our eyes to be fixed on glory no matter what we are facing here and now.
The first thing that I find so beautiful about this passage is the picture painted of throwing off what the gospel writer describes as “weight”, in order that we might run with endurance.
He says, “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.” (Heb. 12:1) Such a powerful word picture, isn’t it?
There is so much in my journey through this life, as a wife, a mom, a believer, that I can put in the “weight” category. Seeking approval from others: weight. Busyness that keeps me distracted and less inclined to be in God’s Word: weight. The thirst for wanting more than what God has blessed me with: weight. Complaining and grumbling when things don’t go like I want them to: weight. Worries & anxiety about what the future may hold: weight.
All of these things are part of running the race here in this fallen world. Things that keep us (metaphorically speaking) from lifting our eyes and our focus from the sweat running down our faces and the plodding of our tired feet upward–to the face of our Savior–the finish line that surely awaits us–and the purpose for which our race is being run.
The passage goes on to mention that we are “surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.”
We are being watched, friends. If you name the name of Jesus & let others know as much–there are eyes on your person, your behavior, your interactions and often those eyes are just waiting for you to stumble. For it is in your stumbling that those who find Christ to be an offense will glory. It’s true, dear believer. And just before you see this weighty task as too great, keep reading. I love this next part the very most.
“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, “so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.“
Lest you think that your journey through this life is too much, listen to the writer of Hebrews and find incredible comfort in the Word. Jesus endured opposition and scorn from sinners (those who would love nothing more than for you to fall). And afterward–sat down at the right hand of God. He conquered, friends; conquered death itself so that you and I might never have to succumb to it ourselves. “Consider Him”: YES! Consider the One who took your most ultimate foe and defeated it. And also–consider Him, the Christ, as you run the race here and now. Meditate upon (another word for consider) His finished work of death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven & what that means for you as you live your life now. It means that you will face a measure of the same from those who hate him. Expect it.
As you face opposition for the sake of His name, throw off the weights too, friends. Don’t allow the trappings of this life, what you can see with your eyes and touch with your hands, distract you from remembering Christ. Not only remembering Him in His sufferings, but hoping in Him in His glory. Because He is reigning (right now), the hardships of this life, the bleakness of our country’s moral decline, the scoffing you may face for His name, should not throw you to the ground. Run, with freedom and with focus. Run, with surety of purpose & comfort through wind, rain, & hail. Run, knowing that even if all you face on your journey is pitfalls & setbacks–there is One who paved your way & whose work means that you will be victorious. Those who know Him will never hunger or thirst again.
And remember: The finish line has for the believer the greatest refreshment & rest that will surpass every tear & every heartache. A final destination that will be more than our wildest dreams. That’s the truth.
However you woke up this morning, on this day known as election day, I hope you remember with me not to lose heart. If your life is defined by the Victor Himself, the One who ran the race perfectly for you already, the One who is seated on the throne of heaven right this very second–you have never been more secure. Hope & run, run & hope, knowing that there is purpose for your life. The watching world may scoff at you, but let that solidify the reason you are running all the more. Allow the words of Hebrews to remind you that you have the greatest opportunity too–to run a bit differently than those around you–to be filled with resolute determination, overflowing joy, undying perspective–always pointing your eyes & your heart heavenward, exclaiming boldly the praises of Him who called you “out of darkness, into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
Thank you for the reminder to keep our eyes fixed on Christ who will use our life’s circumstances to refine our hearts and perfect our faith. To think that it was joy that motivated Him to embrace suffering – for our good and His Father’s glory.!