I’m always inspired by the runners who come by The Moody Church on Marathon Sunday. If you’ve never been a part of our cheering section, it’s quite something. Lots of music, energy, and support for the tens of thousands of athletes who stream by. But it’s the first group of runners who are the most impressive. Their pace is simply incredible, and they make it look almost easy.
I’m reminded that the writer to the Hebrews likens our Christian faith to running a race. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1–2).
The Christian life is like a marathon. It’s strenuous and demanding. Jesus is the lead runner, who has blazed the trail through the cross to the glories of the resurrection. We follow Him. But we are not alone. We are surrounded by a great “cloud of witnesses,” heroes of the faith who have gone before us, who are in the cheering section, encouraging us along the way.
So let’s run with endurance. Jesus beckons us onward. Our supporters are near. And we are loved, more than we know!
