Today’s passage: Hebrews 12:1-2
Helpful thoughts:
- The witnesses who surround us are those who have believed in the promise of Christ before us. The “Hall of Faith” is rooting us on as we run our race.
- This illustration of running with endurance does not convey a life of ease. Running requires effort, exertion, fighting through fatigue, overcoming the desire to be give in and quit, etc.
- Christ had his eye fixed on the joy set before Him as He went to the cross. The joy set before us is Jesus Himself!
- Other joys will prove inferior and fail to motivate us sufficiently.
- Christ is our greatest prize! (Philippians 3:14-15)
Questions to consider:
- If you are running a race and you set your eyes on something that isn’t even behind the finish line, what would happen? Will looking up at the concession stand help you win a race? What is the writer teaching us by telling us to look to Jesus as we run?
- What things do we learn about Jesus in these verses? What did He do to save us? How did He do it? How involved was He/is He/will He be in your salvation and sanctification? Why does Christ deserve all glory and praise?
- Do your life’s goals and ambitions line up with this exhortation? When you set out to achieve goals, what is your target? What is the “good life” in your mind? How can this passage help you to think biblically about your purpose?