Hebrews 12:1 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 perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to JESUS the pioneer 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.
Perseverance: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition: the action or condition or an instance of persevering: steadfastness [Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary]
DISCUSSION
Although the writer of the letter to the Hebrews never mentions his name, many attribute the authorship of this epistle to Paul. One of the purposes of the Hebrews letter was to encourage Christians to remain faithful to the faith, despite the hostility around them. Since Greek athleticism and the Olympic Games were well-known, the author compares living the Christian life to running a race with perseverance.
The idea of running a race with perseverance means that there will be difficulties, opposition, even temporary set-backs and there may even be so called “failures” during the run. But despite these things, the runner runs on toward the finish line where the ultimate prize awaits. The author states that just like in the Olympic games in a great Greek amphitheater, Christians should remind themselves that there is a great “cloud” of people (i.e. witnesses) there to both cheer them on and to provide inspiration. These include those great Olympians of the Old Testament, mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11, those great “Olympians of Faith.”
Some of the great Olympians of Faith include Able, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Gideon, David and Samuel. There were also women, such as Sarah and Rehab.
The running analogy and the reference to the various Old Testament examples of “these runners of faith” is powerful. These prior Olympians faced great obstacles. Though they sometimes faltered, doubted and were ridiculed, they just kept running. In the end, they finished their race to glory. These heroes and sheroes are great role models and part of our heavenly crowd of “supporters” and “witnesses” as each of us face our own daily obstacles, trip and stumble, wipe away our doubts and then keep on running “our own race.”
But, most of all, HE, who ran a perfect race and is now seated at the right hand of GOD---our EMANUEL (meaning “GOD with us”) ---is our greatest supporter. HE not only sees us and is with us, HE is able to carry us to the finish line to victory!
Running For Physical Fitness
According to Barbara Russi Samataro, “You don’t have to be an athlete—or even aspire to be one—to start running:”
Just look at Jim Scott. In January 2003, a month after he turned 60, Scott began running. That November, he finished the New York City Marathon (it took him six hours)….
"When I turned 60, I thought it was a good time to reassess things," says Scott. "I started thinking, 'These 36-inch (waist) pants I've worn all my life are getting a bit tighter.'"
Scott decided he wanted to get in better shape, feel comfortable in his pants again, and improve his golf game. Oh, and there was one more impetus to try running: "I'm married to a marathon runner," he says.
Scott himself never intended to run a marathon. He simply wanted to go on Sunday morning runs with his wife, Donna Hartman, and keep up….
See, “Fitness Basics: Running For Your Life,” by Barbara Russi Samataro, Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD, May 19, 2016, www.webmd.com.
According to Samataro, some of the basics for starting running include the following:
1. Get Good Gear -- get yourself a good pair of running shoes.
2. Start Gradually -- before starting consult your physician, especially if you are a
man, 45 years or older or a woman 50 years or older.
3. Stick With It – be consistent (e.g., keep a running log or journal; specify goals (by
time, distance, weight loss or cholesterol).
Id. at www.Webmd.com.
According to one runner, when he first started running he ran for only 45 seconds. But he just kept plugging at it. One suggestion is to find a friend and run together. Another is to just “do it.”
"Ninety percent of running is just showing up, getting in the game, getting off the sidelines."
Be sure to read about safe running, speed, stretching, hydration, clothing, training and techniques to avoid injury. For additional tips for older runners see: http://www.runforlife.com/age-60-to-90-running-benefits.
But remember, running, is not for everyone. If you have a medical condition, a disability, if running is painful or your doctor advises you not to run, ask your doctor about other forms of exercise or a fitness routine that works for you, like walking, walking in place holding the back of a chair, climbing stairs or doing chair exercises. Some people like to alternate between exercises. For example, run a few minutes and then walk. Walking on a treadmill will also provide you with a number of alternatives. But, listen to your doctor.
Whether you run, walk briskly, step in place or do chair exercises, any form of exercise is better than sitting all day and doing nothing!
Run with Perseverance In Faith
A fellow church member once reminded me that “life” is a “Faith Walk,” not a “Cakewalk.” Hebrews Chapter 12 further reminds us that “Faith” is not static; it is a “Race.” Our job is to run….not physically run, but “run in faith”—to keep moving and to never give up. We simply have to stay in the race and just keep looking ahead “in faith” to “the AUTHOR of our faith” knowing that we can finish this race victoriously if we keep our eyes on HIM. [For example, read about Peter’s experience looking and walking toward CHRIST in the midst of a turbulent sea. Matthew 14:22-33]
So eat raw, exercise and study the WORD of GOD. Stay off the sidelines of indifference and run in faith, with perseverance and determination.
Run! Press onward, press upward and BE BLESSED!
