Based on Hebrews 12:1-4 (New King James Version)
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.”
There are different types of races in life, per se. For example, many people live the experience of long university studies, those that go beyond graduating from high school, or the studies that precede the university. In other words, there are careers that take more than four or five years of university study, like if a person decides to study for a master’s or a doctorate. In the career of medicine, after finishing studies to get a doctorate in general medicine, some continue studying a specialty, like cardiology, pediatrics, etc. And after all of this preparation that consists of more years of study (and more money), and of practice, a person finally gets their specialty. Nonetheless, after finishing a specialty, with practice and everything, in reality, this is only but the precursor to the career, because then follows the work and continued studies, year after year, to be able to stay current with scientific advancement and even to be able to retain a license. So then, there are people that never finish studying.
Other people have different challenges that can involve other capacities, like, for example, raising children. When a child is born, it is only the physical beginning, but in reality, to be a good father or mother, the preparation should start much sooner than before having children, like when a person is a teenager. The reason is that their upbringing may determine the way they will raise their own children (not always, but many times). So then, the responsibility starts much sooner than when a child is born. And well, after birth, then there is the responsibility of raising them, in providing for, teaching, and of course, loving a child. After a child matures, the struggle doesn’t stop there. The work of a parent, in particular, a parent that follows Biblical principles continues until God says so. This does not mean that a father or mother needs to continue supporting their kids, or carrying their responsibilities, because that is wrong, and that is seen very much nowadays, where grandparents raise grandchildren as opposed to just caring, instead of the children raising their own children, and that the parents are the ones that face the irresponsibility of their children, and so, they end up spoiling their kids. The work of a parent consists of praying for their children, giving advice, setting an example, admonishing, and helping when necessary. That is the work that should never end, because that work should transcend the generations, where not only their children experience it, but also, their grandchildren, and other generations, if they get the chance. That is a long race also.
In the end, whether it is a university career or a career in raising children, and all other examples, all of them consist of a lot of work, something that is not done in just a few days, but rather, it consists of decades, and an entire life’s work. They are things with long trajectories, and that deal with life’s occurrences, whether it rains, or snows, or if tragedies or accidents occur, whether there is money or not, etc. No matter what happens, a person always must fight for something in life, even to survive. Because we don’t just eat for a few years, and then stop eating all of sudden, right? We have to eat daily, and eat balanced (if possible), so we can have a good health. We must get dressed daily. We need a place to take shelter from the elements, at least, when we sleep. Everything in this life requires a lot of work. Everything in this life is a race, or rather, there are many types of races within the life of a person.
But Paul is referring or is trying to help us focus on a particular race, on one that is different to all others. To deepen even more on the matter, so we can understand, it is necessary to use the measure of time to be able to see the value of the different races. This doesn’t mean that the others are not important or worthy, and that we should not run them (per se). Nonetheless, which one is the most important one? Let’s see, for example, a career or a job, that when we lose our abilities, whether it is by virtue of time or another unexpected reason, they can no longer be practiced. The career of a surgeon ends when their hands lose their ability, or when their eyesight is affected. They cannot operate any longer. The career of an athlete is limited to even less years because in order to compete or participate, they need to maintain a very high level of health and vitality. So then, accidents or an excess in injuries end the career of an athlete. If we see something even more difficult and painful, like if a father or mother loses their child because something went terribly wrong, their work with that child sadly ended at that very moment, because there is nothing more that can be done. When life ends, everything changes. And that is what Paul is trying to help us to keep in mind, the race that can take us beyond the physical limits, beyond the limits of this life, because this life is temporary. But, if we have come to God’s kingdom through Jesus, we have a race in front of us that has no limits, and that what we do for it transcends the centuries and into eternity. In eternity, we are not going to be doctors, or lawyers, or parents, or anything that has to do with this very limited and superficial world. We will be more than that, and it will be forever. God has purposes prepared for those that love Him that we cannot even imagine, because they go far beyond the vanity of this planet. As it is written: But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9. The Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit also said this: “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
So then, we know that following Christ is not easy, but rather, it is difficult, because it goes against our own nature, and it defies our limited intelligence. But faith is the only vehicle we have that can take us far beyond what is material and temporary. And if it is difficult for you to remain in the Lord, just remember what Christ did for you, and that He did it without any obligation, so that you could attain the great promises that only God can fulfill. So, are you running this race that has a greater reward and duration than any other? Lord bless! John