October 13, 2021 -- Hebrews 12:1-2a -- The Marathon Christian

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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…
Hebrews 12:1-2a ESV

When you run the Christian marathon, what you do matters. Think of a marathon runner, all the important training required can be hampered by a small detail left unattended. Here is an example of something that must not be ignored, how to tie your shoelaces. If you are going strong and suddenly your laces work themselves loose, you will trip, or much of your momentum will be lost as you stop, bend down and re-tie your laces.

Yesterday a dear friend gave a wonderful summarizing quotation, which fits so nicely with this passage. The extended metaphor here is of the Christian life as warfare. Which is very fitting as well, found in many places in scripture. A marathon is a battle of the heart and mind, as courage must rise:

Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance. The smallest good act today is the capture of a strategic point from which, a few months later, you may be able to go on to victories you never dreamed of. An apparently trivial indulgence in lust or anger today is the loss of a ridge or railway line or bridgehead from which the enemy may launch an attack otherwise impossible. C. S. Lewis.

Dear family in Jesus Christ—pick up your bible and read—do not neglect to do so today. Spend time in prayer, with Jesus Who is the Author and Perfecter of all true believing. Keep yourselves from sin, being fastidious even to the point of remaining chaste from what might be considered by others “small sins”, or things that in themselves might not be considered sin, but are indulgences you yourself know would turn you ever so slightly from effectiveness in the marathon faith journey.

LORD GOD ALMIGHTY,
Thy understanding is unsearchable and infinite,
   Thy arm cannot be stayed,
Thy agency extends through limitless space,
All works hang on thy care,
With thee time is a present now.
Holy is thy wisdom, power, mercy, ways, works.
How can I stand before thee
with my numberless and aggravated offences?
I have often loved darkness,
   observed lying vanities,
   forsaken thy given mercies,
   trampled underfoot thy beloved Son,
   mocked thy providences,
   flattered thee with my lips,
   broken thy covenant.
   It is of thy compassion that I am not consumed.
Lead me to repentance, and save me from despair;
Let me come to thee renouncing, condemning,
   loathing myself,
but hoping in the grace that flows
   even to the chief of sinners.
At the cross may I contemplate the evil of sin,
   and abhor it,
look on him whom I pierced,
   as one slain for me, and by me.
May I never despise his death by fearing
   its efficacy for my salvation.
And whatever cross I am required to bear,
   let me see him carrying a heavier.
Teach me in health to think of sickness,
   in the brightest hours to be ready for darkness;
in life prepare me for death.
Thus may my soul rest in thee, O immortal
   and transcendent one,
revealed as thou art in the Person and work
of thy Son,
   the Friend of sinners.
"God and Myself" The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions, ed A. Bennett. Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust. 2020, page 70.

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