Therefore we also since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (2) 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.  (3) For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. (4) You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown but the audience is a Jewish community which has converted to Christianity – and now in the face of escalating persecution, they are tempted to abandon Christ. The author makes use of the Old Testament to argue the centrality and sufficiency of Christ Jesus for salvation. And to warn against backsliding.  the author has just written of faith in chapter 11, commending flawed human beings for their perseverance in faith – they were not perfect but trusted in God who is perfect.

The Jews of ancient times believed that prosperity was visible proof of living well – and suffering was the fate of sinners. And now these people are reading in the letter to the Hebrews that as faithful of Christ, they are to expect to suffer as Jesus suffered. The great faithful of the Old Testament are the great cloud of witnesses – some of those referred to were probably still alive but many had gone before – but all had lived by faith. The point is, the faithful are all in a race with the goal of eternal salvation AND God has set the course.

The hindrances to a successful race are not sins but encumbrances that draw on our time and energy.  These can be spiritual encumbrances as well as materialistic.  The goal in our text today is not evangelism but perseverance leading to the completion of our race for salvation   We need to live in such a way to facilitate our life of faith, not to drag us down – to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus with no distraction.

We are also warned of our besetting sin – our darling sin – which is the other hindrance to the successful completion of the race.  We are challenged to walk by faith and faith is a gift from God. It is not earned by mans works but faith is a calling from God.  My granddaughter is a highly gifted runner and I have seen firsthand the endurance and perseverance of the successful runner. I have also seen the single mindedness of bob, the wonder dog, who wantEd to retrieve his  ball. Nothing distracted him.  Nothing.

So, We have everyday models of behavior but our great high priest, Christ Jesus, is the only example of perfect humanity. We are told to think of Jesus when discouraged or fearful or tired and we will gather strength to run the race with endurance.