Originally published March 2023
I am leery of pulling random Scriptures out of context and seeing how they can be applied to our situation today, something I used to do ALL THE TIME! However, I also believe there are exceptional verses in the Bible that apply almost perfectly in any context at any time in any place. In my mind, the first part of Hebrews 12 is one such passage. I still approach it here for the message it sent 2000 years ago, but I believe it is one we can run with (pun intended) today just as well.
…And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith…
~Hebrews 12:1-2
The preceding chapter, Hebrews 11, weaves a thread through the historical record of incredible faith. Examples like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, and countless martyrs fill chapter 11. “All of these people we have mentioned received God’s approval because of their faith” (verse 39).
Hebrews 12 starts by reminding the hearers and readers from so long ago that they are surrounded by this great cloud of witnesses who have finished their race. Thus, the new direction, “let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.”
The opening verses of this chapter seem to deal with a great effort or struggle on our part. To run in 12:1 is to strive with full effort. The “race” marked out for us could easily be translated as “conflict” or “fight.” It says we need perseverance, which is patient endurance. In other words, get ready to go at it and be in it for a long time.
The only way to endure is to fix our eyes on Jesus. The verb is aphorao, which means to look away from all else and focus one’s gaze on one thing. That one thing is actually one Person. He is the pioneer, the originator, the founder, and the perfecter, the finisher, of our faith. He starts it and completes it while carving out a path and authoring our story on the path. It is remarkable how active He is in the process.
Our job in the race is to focus solely on Him, to consider Him (as verse 3 puts it). The idea comes from a Greek word analogizomai, which means to “think upon intently.” The practice described by this word is that of moving through a thought process to reach a conclusion. It involves repeated nuanced reflection that advances up to new levels of truth.
I appreciate that Hebrews 12 is yet another illustration of the active role God plays in our spiritual formation. Even a passage that seems, on the surface, to be all about our effort, is one more example of how the New Testament doubles down on this idea that we are actually just along for the ride and Jesus is in the driver’s seat. Just like so many other analogies, such as the Vine and the branches, the two trees in the Garden of Eden, the Potter and the clay, the Spirit being like wind, and many more, we discover God is in control and we are not.
There is no list of rules to follow. There is no checklist to complete. There are no religious duties to fulfill. We are to remain in Him. We are to respond to Love. As He leads. As He lives.
Certainly fits where I am today!