This chapter begins by looking back at the great cloud of witnesses in the previous chapter. Then we are encouraged to look up to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Then we are to look forward to our eternal rewards lest we become weary and faint in our minds. The Christian life is a race and we must run the race, determined to win. The new birth experience brings us to the beginning of the race. As we constantly get rid of hindrances and encumbrances in our lives, pray daily for more grace and the Spirit’s enabling in our lives, we are able to run without falling or failing God.

Above and beyond the examples of saved men and women in Hebrews 11, in the Bible or in our contemporary times, we must keep on looking unto Jesus. Disappointments and discouragement could come if we focus our attention on any man. Our victory in consistent Christian living comes and will be maintained only as we keep on looking unto Jesus. He is our Saviour and perfect example. Looking unto Him, we cannot fail or fall.

ENCUMBRANCES TO RUNNING THE RACE

Hebrews 12: 1; Luke 8: 14; 9: 59-62; 21: 34; 2 Corinthians 7: 1; 1 Timothy      6: 9, 10; 2 Timothy 2: 4; 1 Peter 2: 1; 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27.

Let us lay aside every weight... and let us run... Being in the race himself, the writer calls all other believers to run with him. We are called to be free of dead weights and to run. Some legitimate things may weigh us down and hinder our spiritual progress. Get rid of such encumbrances and run properly - following the rules set by the Lord. There must be loyalty, faithfulness, steadfastness, determination and discipline, if we are to be approved by the Lord.

There will be obstacles and there will be weariness and sometimes exhaustion but we must endure until the last mile and the finishing line if we are to win the crown. What are the things that constitute barriers, hindrances, encumbrances? Things of this world, cares of the world, love of the world, love of money, and sins that so easily beset or entangle us, will definitely hinder us from running well. The traditions of this world and things that make void the Word of God are great hindrances. Whatever has caused the backsliding of other Christians must be avoided. Whatever has weakened or rendered us lukewarm in the past must be repented of and kept away from our lives.

EXAMPLE OF CHRIST, OUR REDEEMER

Hebrews 12: 2; Matthew 11: 29; John 13: 15; Philippians 2: 5-8; 1 Peter 2: 21;  Hebrews 3: 1; John 12: 27; 1 Peter 2: 22, 23.

Looking unto Jesus constantly, with faith and consecration to be conformed unto His image is the secret of living to please the Lord. To run the race with patience we must be fully occupied with the example of Christ in all things and at all times. Christ liveth in me (Galatians 2: 20) and For me to live is Christ (Philippians 1: 21) should be our constant experience.

Because of the joy that was set before Him, Christ endured the Cross. He is our example in enduring the cross and in despising the shame. The persecution, opposition, criticism, ill-treatment and suffering that come on the Christian can only be endured as we set the eternal rewards before us. The shame, ridicule and mockery of the world will be nothing to us if we meditate on the eternal weight of glory awaiting us. The anticipation of the glorious reward sustains the believer in the hour of temptation and trial.

EXHORTATION TO THE REDEEMED

Hebrews 12: 3, 4; 3: 1; Matthew 10: 24, 25; Luke 4: 28, 29; John 9: 24; Proverbs  24: 10; 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18; Revelation 2: 10.

The early Christians face fiery trials and persecutions that could have made them to give up their faith. These Hebrew Christians found themselves in the same situation. From the beginning of the Epistle, they were warned, exhorted and encouraged. Now they were being exhorted to consider Christ who endured great contradiction and opposition from sinners. This exhortation is still for us today. Looking unto Jesus, considering Him, in all our trials and persecutions, we shall not be wearied nor faint in our minds.

Only by constantly looking unto Jesus shall we continue striving against sin - fighting the good fight of faith courageously till the end.