“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Living the Christian life compares favorably to running a timed race, a 5K or longer. The passage above details lots of parallels. Special thanks to Tim Bagley for the invitation to write!
Most races generate a crowd of some sort. The non-participants may be volunteers for the event; family and/or friends of the runners; race sponsors selling their products or services; or maybe just “lookie-loos” just checking out the action in town.
For smaller races, a cluster of well-wishers typically hang around the finish line to hoot and holler for their family member or friend. “Almost there!” “You got this!” (I’m always amused by that one, because by THAT time in the race, I’m pretty well convinced I DON’T “have this!”). I cannot count the number times I’ve heard our runner friend Tony Presley say, “Great job!” as he video-taped runners at the finish line (remember Tony and Donna in your prayers in his battle with cancer). And then, of course, there’s “The Peachtree” where crowds line the streets and bands play at each mile. What a circus! But in the end, crowds can help to motivate!
I remember finishing a 5K in Watkinsville in 2009, where the final 1/4 mile was a lap around the track at the high school football field. I was beat, and just as I started to walk, Will Chamberlain with Classic Race Services picked up a bullhorn, “And here comes Mike Taylor finishing up!” I was so embarrassed, I started to run again. Who knows how many people Will impacted along with his encouragement? From then on, I remembered, “someone’s watching.” I think we all do “better,” and find a little extra down deep at the finish if someone we know is watching. Crowds matter.
The Bible says “we have a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us.” Yes! – all the saints watching you and cheering you along, a “tad” like finishing on the 50-yard line of the Atlanta Falcons Walk Like Madd 5K at Mercedes-Benz field! The Apostle Paul. John. Peter.
All the saints! And the Lord Jesus Himself! Impressive! “His eye is on the sparrow!”
Not only is He watching, not only is He cheering you on in life; Hebrews 7:25 says He is PRAYING for you! “Therefore He is able to save forever those who draw near to God, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Jesus is praying for you on the tough hills of life.
When you are empty and hurting. When you’re not having a “good run day”! He’s there and watching. Praying. Always!
Crowds matter. The ones watching matter. You are not alone. “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…”