I n   O u r   D a i l y   L i v e s	11/16/05	printer friendly version
Running the Race by Michael Dyck

It’s mile twenty of a marathon.  The euphoria of the start of the race is gone, and the nervous chatter of the opening miles has long been forgotten. Now all that remains is the soft, rhythmic  pounding of Nike, Asics, and New Balance as the regular, metered pace of determined, but tired, feet compliment the calculated, regular breathing of lungs expanding and contracting.  All energy has been channeled into marking the miles; no unnecessary conversation, no unwanted distractions, no incompatible entertainment.  The goal has been sighted, victory is within reach, and the prize is almost in hand. Nothing will thwart the realization of the reward. The work has been too hard, too long, and too intense to come up short. No matter what it takes, those tired feet and lungs will cross the finish line, and then rest will come. The jubilation of a task completed, the triumph of an aspiration accomplished, and the elation of an objective attained will erase all pain, soreness, and misery.  Much-needed refreshment will greet the aches, and the soothing sense of satisfaction will send the memories of the long miles into oblivion. And three simple words, dripping with the sweat of endurance, determination and commitment, will echo from runner to runner all through the victors’ circle: “I did it!”

No other race I have run has given rise to the same sense of accomplishment than has the marathon. It’s no wonder that the writer to the Hebrews compares the Christian life to a race.  Hebrews 12:1 states, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”  Furthermore, I am confident that the race he had in mind was a marathon—a long distance run (sorry, you sprinters).  Just like running a marathon, the Christian life is fraught with unknowns, hardships, obstacles to overcome, and pitfalls to be avoided.  It is not for the faint of heart.  It is not for those who do not count the cost.  It is not for those who do not “buffet their bodies” lest they become disqualified. And just like the marathon, the Christian life is not primarily a test of speed, but endurance, because the goal is finishing well.

The Biblical writer points out three factors that will ensure our success in running this marathon called the Christian life, and then he gives us the ultimate road to victory in verse two.  First of all, we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses.  As I train for a marathon, I think of the people who have run before me and who will run with me. I think of my friends from Florida who are seasoned marathon runners and who offer encouraging words.  When my feet start to hurt, and my arms ache, their words of wisdom and strategy keep me going. The cloud of witnesses in Hebrews refers to those who have already completed the race and who are enjoying their eternal reward. Their example of patience, endurance, and faithfulness should be a catalyst and inspiration for us still in the thick of the race.  That thought is intimated in Hebrews 13:7.  “Remember those who led you, who spoke the Word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” The magnificence of this truth is captured in a poem entitled "Call Back".

Secondly, we are to lay aside all encumbrances, especially sin.  In training for a marathon, proper diet and sleep are imperative.  To finish well means training well, and that undoubtedly means doing without certain things. Candy and sweets are not good marathon food.  In addition, the prize will not be won by being lazy. Rather, the discarding of all unnecessary baggage is the route to the finish line. Laying aside lesser “joys” for the ultimate joy is our supreme motivation. Mary James echoes the essence of this truth in "All For Jesus!"

Thirdly, the writer admonishes us to “run with endurance.”  This is the key to the marathon.  Assuming you’ve trained and are well prepared, the one thing that will carry you to the finish line is endurance.  You cannot give up.  You run through the pain, you position yourself where you will run at your optimum level, and you look steadfastly at the goal.  Is that not the key to the Christian life?  Do we throw in the towel when relationships sour?  Do we throw tantrums when the elders make a decision we don’t like?  Do we retreat into our self-absorbed pseudo sanctuary when we are hurt?  Do we “just say no” to church because we assume no one likes us?  Of course not.  That is not how we live the Christian life.  No, we cling to Christ, and we follow Him. That is how the writer to the Hebrews assures us of ultimate success.  In Hebrews 12:2, he says, “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”  What do we do when life completely overwhelms us?  We fix our eyes on Jesus.  No psychobable, no quick fixes, no one-step, two-step, three-step formulas, just Christ. We fix our eyes on Christ. He is the goal, the endgame, the prize, and the enabler.  He said, “Without me, you can do nothing.” And so we run; laying aside all encumbrances, running with endurance, fixing our eyes inexorably on the prize.  

When mile twenty-five of the marathon comes, and you can see the finish line, and the crowd is starting to thicken, cheering you on, calling your name, you are compelled to finish, and there is no doubt that you will. When you cross the finish line, the reward truly is there, as they place a medal around your neck and a solar blanket around your shoulders, and they say, “Great job.”  There is something infinitely greater than that, however, and that is when we finish this earthly race called the Christian life, and we cross the great divide, and our Lord says to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant.  Enter into the joy of your Lord.”—the joy of the Lord, not gilded toys of dust, not houses and lands, not gems of beauty, fame, or a perishable crown. The hymn writer was right: “It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus.  Life’s trials will seem so small, when we see Christ.  One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrows will erase.  So bravely run the race, till we see Christ.”

©2005 Michael Dyck, Hampton, Virginia