September always feels like a new beginning to me. No wonder, after so many years of homeschooling! Give me a few sharpened pencils and a clean, unsullied notebook, and I’m ready for a fresh start, focused and impervious to distractions.
Christianity is all about new beginnings. Salvation is the starting line for everyone (there are no head starts or shortcuts), and this race of faith is no stroll in the park. The Greek word used for race [agon] is the root for our English word agony.
In this race, we’re not competing against the other runners, but against everything that deters holy living. Hebrews 12:1 reminds me that trying to run the race of faith while entertaining known sin in my life is like setting off on my daily walk with my shoelaces untied.
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 endurance the race that is set before us…”
The “weights” or “encumbrances” also refer to those subtle distractions that prevent me from finishing well:
- too much sugar
- not enough sleep
- a call to a friend instead of time spent in prayer
- a five-minute “check my e-mail” that turns into a half hour of answering Facebook messages and responding to blog comments
- trivial pursuits that distract me from scripture and prayer
Your list will likely be different from mine.
Regardless, the writer of Hebrews is clear on our right response: lay it aside and run.
Whatever weight or encumbrance is hindering your faith, the writer of Hebrews is clear on your right response: lay it aside and run.
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The Cloud of Encouragement
The “great cloud of witnesses” who surround us are offered as motivation and encouragement for running our race of faith. Through the years, I’ve imagined these saints “who have gone on before” watching me, “witnessing” my walk. And I’ll admit that it feels a bit creepy to me.
It is possible that Hebrews 12:1, “surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,” simply means that all the saints in the past, when they died, successfully witnessed to their faith on earth and made it to heaven through their suffering, so you can make it too—not that they are watching you.
John MacArthur explained the cloud of witnesses in this way: “They are examples, not onlookers… They are not looking at us; we are to look to them.” This is a helpful clarification, for their stories bear witness to the truth upon which we build our faith. They have run the race, and they finished it!
By way of contrast, John Piper is “inclined to think that it does mean they are watching, partly because of the picture of the race. It is as though the saints finish their marathon at their death. Then they come around and stand on the side of the racetrack and watch us. And we are supposed to take heart from that because, in essence, they would be saying, ‘Hang in there. Trust God. You can do this. We made it; you can make it too.'”
Roll Call of the Faithful
Hebrews 11 serves as a table of contents for Old Testament examples of people who, though not perfect by any means, put their faith into action. They reassure me that even though the race of faith is always strenuous—and sometimes grueling—it is run successfully only in the power of God.
When I read about Sarah’s life, I hear her calling to me from the sidelines: “Whatever seems impossible to you, even if you’ve meddled with it and messed things up…? Keep running! You can do it by faith!”
Remembering Noah’s faith, I imagine him saying: “Your path may not make sense to anyone but you. This is because they have not heard God’s voice as you have. Keep listening to God. Keep running in faith!”
When my faith feels flimsy, I imagine Rahab’s encouragement: “Remember the truth that you have heard about the power of God. Then ACT on it by faith! You will not be disappointed!”
The “witness” of their lives encourages me to ask hard questions about my readiness to run, faithfully and unencumbered. Hebrews 10:36 is a rebuke and a rallying cry for all who have entered the race of faith: “You have need of endurance!”
Yes, I really do.
Which of the Old Testament saints listed in Hebrews 11 speaks to your need for endurance?
Have you found wisdom to share for laying aside the encumbrances that hinder your race?
Hebrews 12:1 reminds me that trying to run the race of faith while entertaining known sin in my life is like setting off on my daily walk with my shoelaces untied.
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Living Our Days 
Like you I feel September as this beautiful new beginning. Sometimes almost more than January 1st.
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I love your imaginings of what the saints of old would say to us from the sidelines. You could make a devotional book, each page offering encouragement from the perspective of a different Bible character! One individual that inspires me is Ruth. God led her and she obeyed; he cared for her in amazing ways. Little did Ruth know that God would honor her by making her the great-grandmother of King David and an ancestor of Christ. I think Ruth would tell me to seek God’s path day by day and leave the legacy of my life in his capable hands.
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I think you’re right on track with your thoughts on Ruth!
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‘The Greek word used for race [agon] is the root for our English word agony.‘
I love discovering what the original languages of Scripture actually mean. It broadens and enriches the reading of His Word.
Thanks for including agon in this piece, Michele.
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I totally agree and heartily regret that I didn’t study either Greek OR Hebrew when I had the opportunity in college!
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For me, the biggest trip-up often seems to be those things that aren’t wrong in themselves, but get too easily out-of-balance and take up time I needed to devote to better things. It’s a constant struggle and learning process.
Our ladies’ Bible study is in Exodus until December. It’s interesting how something new can pop up from a familiar passage. This time, I noticed that Moses asked God, in essence, “What are you doing?” when they first approached Pharaoh to let the people go, and he said no and increased their work load. And then the plagues started. Moses didn’t know there were going to be ten of them at the outset. And they didn’t happen over ten days–it took some time. If it were me, I’d be wondering, “How long is this going to go on?” But we don’t see Moses questioning God or complaining then. Maybe seeing God’s hand at work helped him to trust for the eventual outcome.
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This is such a great point, Barbara, and I’m the same impatient soul, growing tired of the process and wanting to see RESULTS!
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Thinking of the cloud of witnesses that cheer us to finish our race of faith well – brings a smile to my face, Michele.
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Yes, a smile to our faces and a spring to our step!
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