This week we are starting a series in worship here at St. Matthew’s entitled Running the Race.  We will be looking at Hebrews 12: 1-3 as our base text that we jump from as we consider different passages.  Today we are going to look at the world behind the text of this passage.  

This passage calls us to some major truths.s The first is to examine our lives and faith and see those sins that are weighing us down. And cast them aside.  This is a call to moral examination.  What are the things in my life that are keeping me from Jesus?  Where is it in my life that I have given over control to the devil in ways that keep from being able to run the race that God has called me to.  Where are the things that cling so tightly to us that keep us from being able to run? We need to look, see, and get rid of these things.  As an athlete examines their life, so should we.  We need to run. 

Another truth is this.  Yes, the mighty cloud cheers us on, but they are not who we look to.  Who do we look too?  Jesus.  He is the one who is our role model.  We not aspire to the holiness and faithfulness of other people, we aspire to be like Jesus. 

And yes, even as it gets bad and tough, remember.  It is not as bad for us as it was for Jesus.  Keep running.  This passage reminds us to lay aside all that keeps us from being faithful.  And look to the one whose grace will make us faithful.  

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