Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ²fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Run and Gaze Heavenward

Do you recall the British movie from the early 1980s, Chariots of Fire which tells the story of two British runners who achieved glory in the 1924 Paris Olympic games? Eric Liddell, a Scottish sprinter and Christian missionary won a gold medal for Great Britain. During the final race, he cast his eyes heavenward, drew strength and courage from our Almighty, beat the US favorites and won the 400m. This movie inspired me in my younger days and recently I again drew inspiration from this when we ran as a Credit Suisse team in a Zurich marathon. Gazing heavenward, I finished my 11km leg with much perseverance.

In this passage, we are told to throw off everything that hinders us and to run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the greatest finisher of all time. Many things can hinder us from running the race marked out for us: independence, career, wealth, confidence in our own abilities and the trappings of the world. These can bring complacency and can lull us into self-reliance.

Trials, unexpectedly dropped on us, throw us off-balance. And we realize that self-reliance is fickle, hindering us from effectively running our race. Our Lord reaches out to us through trials to gain our attention and to lead us to a sober assessment that we need Jesus daily and sometimes nightly. Incidentally, we have started listening to 3AM Prayers on YouTube; this is a marvelous discipline that helps us to connect and fix our eyes on Jesus at the dawn of each day. This is particularly potent when weaknesses or anxiety set in or when circumstances seem out of our control. It is when I cling to his power and his spirit, that he tells me: “My grace is sufficient for you, where my power is made perfect in your weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). So, it is when I am weak, that I am strong. Hallelujah!

Recently, a dear friend gifted us a communion kit, and we now at least once a week serve communion to each other at home, this is another habit that guides our attention to the Cross and his wonder.

I am reminded daily that I am compelled to gaze upwards and fix my eyes on Jesus the pioneer and perfector of faith, shake off my sin, and accept his promise of the Holy Spirit that empowers me daily to victory and purpose. That his power courses through our veins to heal and revitalize. And I put my full confidence in him and less in myself and my possessions. Our insecurities evaporate and his infinite strength fills us. So, I encourage you to run your race and win your eternal prize (1 Corinthians 9:24). Amen and to God be the glory.