Imagine a runner at the summer Olympics walking up to the starting line wearing long blue jeans, a hoody, and carrying a backpack. We would all say that’s ridiculous. Instead, each competitor wears short pants and lightweight tops in order to reduce as much weight, and resistance as possible. Several New Testament passages compare the Christian journey to running a race. In the first century Olympic Games, runners believed even a loincloth would slow them down so they ran completely naked. The writer of Hebrews utilizes this analogy when he writes to Hebrew believers who were apparently considering returning to Judaism because of persecution. 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 (Heb 12:1 NASV). Like an Olympic runner, Christians should lay side anything that hinders their race.
This verse gives two categories of hindrances: encumbrances and sin. Of course, we know sin is the ultimate hindrance, but the verse also says lay aside every encumbrance (NASV); throw off everything that hinders (NIV); lay aside every weight (NKJV). This word means a mass, a burden, a hindrance, or a weight. Note however, that encumbrances aren’t always sinful; they just hinder our progress. A list of non-sinful things that hinder people would be endless because what encumbers one person may not hinder another believer and vice versa.
I can imagine the Hebrew believers after enduring a great conflict of sufferings, made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, having their property seized and imprisoned were tired of trying (10:32-34). They longed for life to return to the way it used to be—no persecution, no struggles, able to enjoy the beauty, the sounds, and smells of the Temple. All this was hindering them from running the race. The theme of the book reminded them they possessed something better through the fulfillment by Christ of all the types and symbolisms of the Law. Some of the things I’ve seen encumber believers includes friends who drag them down spiritually, pursuit of wealth, love of pleasure, possession, preoccupation with earthly interests, etc. Years ago, the Holy Spirit showed me that my love for hunting and fishing had become a hindrance. Nothing is sinful about either of these hobbies. For me the problem was staying in the woods or on the lake until late Saturday. On Sunday morning, I was tired and nowhere near being as effective when preaching or teaching. I still continued to hunt and fish, but started coming home after lunch on Saturday.
Verses 1-3 instruct us how to lay aside our encumbrances. In the previous chapter, the author gave a long list of Old Testament believers who lived before Jesus was born but they finished the race facing far greater difficulties. These who finished their race by faith now compose a large cloud of witnesses encouraging the struggling Hebrew Christians who lived under the new covenant and had the help of the Holy Spirit. They were then reminded to keep their eyes on the greatest example—Jesus. Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, 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. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Heb 12:2, 3).
New believers can enter the Christian race thinking it is a 50-yard dash. Instead, we must realize it is a marathon lasting a lifetime. The fact the Bible compares it to a race requiring endurance doesn’t mean it is an unbearable or impossible journey. Remember all those you know personally who faced far greater challenges yet finished their race. Look at Jesus and all that He endured, even death on of the cross, yet finished His race to make a way for you. Know the Holy Spirit, who is our comforter and helper, lives in you supplying all you need to continue. Focus on the finish line and the prize waiting for you—eternity with Jesus.
The encumbrances of this life will exhaust us. The imagined runner wearing long blue jeans, a hoody, and carrying a backpack would not last long in a race. Like the early Olympic runner, we should strip off anything that encumbers our race. The question for all of us, “Am I where I need to be in this race?” If not, “what encumbrances do I need to lay aside?”
Sustaining Word for the Week: Don’t grow weary or lose heart you have a reward awaiting you—laid up for you a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award you on that day (2 Tim 4:8).