Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Reflection
These few verses describe a race that has been marked out for us. It doesn’t matter how good of a runner we think we are, but what matters is that we run without holding on to things that could weigh us or slow us down. We are to run with purpose and perseverance, not giving up, but instead fixing our eyes upon Jesus. Only then will we not get tired and discouraged. We can look to Jesus, because He ran this race before us. It was a race that would lead to His life laid down but He endured it for the joy set before Him. And this joy was us, the Church! How great is the love of Christ! As we run the race set before us, we do not lose heart but we are being filled with joy as we fix our eyes on Jesus.
Response
Let’s ask that we would be servants of our Lord, following in His footsteps as He went before us on this path of love and sacrifice. May we know and receive this same joy as we lay down our lives for ministry - in loving God and loving others.
