Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.As I heard all those fans cheering for their teams, I thought about what Paul was saying in these verses. The roar of encouragement, excitement and anticipation was just a tiny taste of the kind of cheering going on for us every day! This is not just any cheering team - these are the great heroes of the faith from the Hebrews 11 hall of faith-giants.
When the ball was coming towards us for our team to score, I couldn't remain seated...I had to stand and coax them to victory. And I remembered what happened with Stephen in Acts 7:54-56:
The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”Jesus was standing! Not seated at the right hand of God but standing.
Run to win. Just listen to those crowds!Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
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