Introduction
There is a race that is set before us. This is what we are told in Hebrews chapter 12. We don’t know what the race will be like, what obstacles we are expected to face, or what inclines we are likely to encounter. One thing that we are told is that we are required to run it with endurance – in other words we can assume that the race will not be easy.
“…and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
Hebrews 12:1b
This challenge may thrill you with excitement or fill you with uncertainty. But for those that know and trust Jesus Christ, there is a promise that outstretches any human ability or effort. It is the promise found in the same passage that urges all those in the race to “look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith”. It is the presence of Jesus in the race that changes everything. His presence means that I don’t have to endure this race alone. His presence has made running the race possible. And it is what He endured on the Cross and accomplished through His death and resurrection that provides me with a hope not only in this life but for eternity.
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2
The race has been changed forever. We no longer have to depend on our own strength or ability to run it alone. In this book I want to encourage you in your own race and urge you to look to the One who is able to change lives – the One who is able to bring restoration, purpose and joy. For it is Jesus that has changed my life forever – He has loved me when I stumbled in the race, picked me up when I was knocked down, held my hand when I felt weakened and straightened paths that seemed untenable. He has remained faithful along rugged tracks and trustworthy in following His course. His promises have proven worthy of pursuing and His Word has brought refreshment and sustainment.
The race is not always easy. I have learned through many experiences in my life that sometimes we have to endure challenges that ultimately strengthen our faith and prepare us for the plan and purpose that God has for us. He wants us to fulfil our potential even if we sometimes doubt our own abilities and worthiness. The race might not be easy, in fact we might sometimes feel like giving up, but don’t let temporary running conditions knock you out of the race. It is God’s will for us to pick ourselves up and complete the race with confidence.
In the New Testament of the Bible, we find snapshots of illustrations about running. In addition to Hebrews 12, I was fascinated how many times the athletics theme occurs. For example: “....I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14); “....exercise yourself toward godliness...” (1 Timothy 4:7); “...Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” (1 Corinthians 9:24).
As the inspired Word of God, we should not be surprised that these athletic-themed illustrations provide us with key truths worthy of our attention. For athletics provide some of the best examples of dedication, commitment, attitude, preparation, perseverance and rewards. Anyone who has run a race or trained for any sporting event will understand the kind of mental and physical attributes needed to prepare for competition.
My own brief experience in track competition was limited to my teenage years where I competed in Student Conventions. Nevertheless, I learned valuable lessons in the kind of preparation needed for running a race. My most memorable occasion was running in the 800 metres track competition at 7,000ft altitude and just over 100oF heat in Arizona, USA. As an Englishman, the conditions were somewhat alien to me, but after months of prior exercise and with the support and encouragement of a caring father as my trainer, I made it my goal to be ready for the challenge. Wet and cold dreary days through the winter months in England and being chased numerous times by dogs in the park were just some of the common challenges that could have put me off my goal. Nevertheless I persevered. I may not have made it to the Olympic Games or even close, but maybe I reached my potential and I certainly tried my best for God's glory.
By studying the athletic verses of the Bible more closely and discovering the meanings of the original Greek words, I soon realised that the New Testament authors, especially the Apostle Paul, were very familiar with the Greek culture of the day and particularly its passion with athletics and keeping the physical body in pristine condition. The early believers would have easily related to the important message that God was giving to them through His servant, Paul.
Paul purposely used running several times in his illustrative letters because he recognised a significant comparison in that the Christian life was like a race and the only way of completing it was through discipline, endurance and conviction. He wanted to urge every believer to fulfil his or her potential regardless of the challenges because he understood the tremendous blessing in doing so. Yet the race that Paul and others wrote about wasn't a lonely struggle of self-effort – their pen reveal an amazing God of love who has provided a way for us to complete the race with honour.
As we consider some of these verses throughout this book, I encourage you to take this opportunity to look unto Jesus Christ who has already completed the race and wants to lead you to fulfil every potential He has for your life. How will you use your race to set a lasting legacy for those that follow you? I trust that this book of short messages on the theme of running and sport will encourage you in your race of faith. God has a very special plan for your life and wants you to obtain everything that He has promised you, so get ready to run the race!
Alastair Kirk
“…and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
Hebrews 12:1b
This challenge may thrill you with excitement or fill you with uncertainty. But for those that know and trust Jesus Christ, there is a promise that outstretches any human ability or effort. It is the promise found in the same passage that urges all those in the race to “look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith”. It is the presence of Jesus in the race that changes everything. His presence means that I don’t have to endure this race alone. His presence has made running the race possible. And it is what He endured on the Cross and accomplished through His death and resurrection that provides me with a hope not only in this life but for eternity.
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2
The race has been changed forever. We no longer have to depend on our own strength or ability to run it alone. In this book I want to encourage you in your own race and urge you to look to the One who is able to change lives – the One who is able to bring restoration, purpose and joy. For it is Jesus that has changed my life forever – He has loved me when I stumbled in the race, picked me up when I was knocked down, held my hand when I felt weakened and straightened paths that seemed untenable. He has remained faithful along rugged tracks and trustworthy in following His course. His promises have proven worthy of pursuing and His Word has brought refreshment and sustainment.
The race is not always easy. I have learned through many experiences in my life that sometimes we have to endure challenges that ultimately strengthen our faith and prepare us for the plan and purpose that God has for us. He wants us to fulfil our potential even if we sometimes doubt our own abilities and worthiness. The race might not be easy, in fact we might sometimes feel like giving up, but don’t let temporary running conditions knock you out of the race. It is God’s will for us to pick ourselves up and complete the race with confidence.
In the New Testament of the Bible, we find snapshots of illustrations about running. In addition to Hebrews 12, I was fascinated how many times the athletics theme occurs. For example: “....I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14); “....exercise yourself toward godliness...” (1 Timothy 4:7); “...Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” (1 Corinthians 9:24).
As the inspired Word of God, we should not be surprised that these athletic-themed illustrations provide us with key truths worthy of our attention. For athletics provide some of the best examples of dedication, commitment, attitude, preparation, perseverance and rewards. Anyone who has run a race or trained for any sporting event will understand the kind of mental and physical attributes needed to prepare for competition.
My own brief experience in track competition was limited to my teenage years where I competed in Student Conventions. Nevertheless, I learned valuable lessons in the kind of preparation needed for running a race. My most memorable occasion was running in the 800 metres track competition at 7,000ft altitude and just over 100oF heat in Arizona, USA. As an Englishman, the conditions were somewhat alien to me, but after months of prior exercise and with the support and encouragement of a caring father as my trainer, I made it my goal to be ready for the challenge. Wet and cold dreary days through the winter months in England and being chased numerous times by dogs in the park were just some of the common challenges that could have put me off my goal. Nevertheless I persevered. I may not have made it to the Olympic Games or even close, but maybe I reached my potential and I certainly tried my best for God's glory.
By studying the athletic verses of the Bible more closely and discovering the meanings of the original Greek words, I soon realised that the New Testament authors, especially the Apostle Paul, were very familiar with the Greek culture of the day and particularly its passion with athletics and keeping the physical body in pristine condition. The early believers would have easily related to the important message that God was giving to them through His servant, Paul.
Paul purposely used running several times in his illustrative letters because he recognised a significant comparison in that the Christian life was like a race and the only way of completing it was through discipline, endurance and conviction. He wanted to urge every believer to fulfil his or her potential regardless of the challenges because he understood the tremendous blessing in doing so. Yet the race that Paul and others wrote about wasn't a lonely struggle of self-effort – their pen reveal an amazing God of love who has provided a way for us to complete the race with honour.
As we consider some of these verses throughout this book, I encourage you to take this opportunity to look unto Jesus Christ who has already completed the race and wants to lead you to fulfil every potential He has for your life. How will you use your race to set a lasting legacy for those that follow you? I trust that this book of short messages on the theme of running and sport will encourage you in your race of faith. God has a very special plan for your life and wants you to obtain everything that He has promised you, so get ready to run the race!
Alastair Kirk