Do you plan to watch any of the Olympic track events? Running gear has certainly changed; the outfits are designed to reduce drag and resistance. The Greeks preformed without clothing. This fact makes Hebrews 12:1ff very interesting as the Hebrew writer, alluding to the Greek game, says, “Lay aside every encumbrance…”
The original audience likely was familiar with the imagery of the games. Greek games were held throughout the Hellenistic world. The idea of athletes laying aside anything that might hinder them would have been a vivid picture.
The Hebrew writer calls on the imagery of a popular event to remind his audience to throw away the sin in life and be focused on the prize, which is eternity with Christ. Notice his words: “…let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…; who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1b-2, NASU).
Did you notice this is an endurance race? The basis of knowing we can make it to the end is the realization of what Jesus endured. He continues, “For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin…;” (Hebrews 12:3-4a, NASU). We will not face the same fate as Jesus did. But the road is still filled with both temptation and trial. If we are going to endure to have a victory in our lives we must do two things. First, we must get rid of the sins in our lives. Second, we must keep focused on Jesus. See you at the finish line.