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, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
We are looking at broad applications from this great text and the calling to self-denial. We deny our own righteousness and we deny self-confidence. Third, we must
deny an unhealthy desire for ease. The text says this is a race that needs endurance. We are called to run; we are called to run while we bear our cross and that calling is never to be diminished and the cross never to be set down.
The Lord’s life was dominated by a cross and you also are to run with a cross. “This clear gospel is not so easy to forget in flabby Western society. With a great
chorus of custom, advertisement and temptation this world is beckoning you to a life of self-indulgence. Your flesh is drawn to that appeal and will fall in with the world’s suggestions…but the only way to avoid the cross is to follow the world to hell…” (Walter
Chantry)
The race says no to ease and laziness. The cross is not ever laid down, the only depository for the cross in the cemetery. Let me share with you a lengthy section
from Walter Chantry’s book, The Shadow of the Cross.
“A cross greets the Christian who is determined to rise early to meet his God. It begins with the alarm clock. Self desires another hour of sleep. It is only reasonable
to remain in bed since the baby woke up twice last night. But if the love of Christ burns in your soul you would rather inflict pain on yourself than plunge into the demands of business at home and office and end the day with the sad realization that you had
not been with him in quiet at all.
Furthermore, to rise early in the day you must deny self of pleasant social evenings which tend to last into late hours. And when you have managed to bring yourself
to your devotions, stubborn self-intrudes still. Thoughts of your affairs demand attention from your mind so that honest contemplation of the glory of God is crowded out. A thousand selfish interests prevent true prayer from ever beginning. Our Lord taught
us that prayer begins with the heart cries, Hallowed be thy Name. It cannot be uttered until self-interest is ruthlessly yanked from the soul as a tooth is from your jaw.
This is painful and pinching. Preachers meet sad eyed saints who would like them to recommend a good book on devotions, something to pick up my drooping spirits.
The place of private retirement has grown dull or unrewarding. Often behind the request is a desire to find a new secret to approaching god’s courts, a little device or an easy step back to the place of joyful fellowship with /god and the lamb. There are no
such books or devices. You must bear a cross. Take aim on self. Set your sights on putting self to death. And tomorrow? The cross will be there again.
The endurance called for is sin in the example of Jesus who perfectly denied himself, getting up early to meet with the Father, having no central heating, and as
a man, fighting the eyelids closing, the fatigue of people pushing to see him day and night, the long hours with the ignorant, the despisers, those seeking to trap him.
The race calls us to deny ease.
Fourth, we deny the wisdom of man so that we might seek wisdom from above. The politician does not consult what is best but what is safest. He is made of willow and
can shift his views and opinions to the pleasure of his audience.
We seek God’s truth, God’s wisdom, to do and to stand upon what He has said, regardless of what the results are in this life. For the joy set before Him, He did the
will of the Father and for the joy set before us, we deny the wisdom of man in how to live this life even if it means, as it did for many of the cloud of witnesses that surround us, trial and difficulty.
Fifth, we are like Jesus to deny all ungodliness or as the text says we are to strive against sin. The text says that our motivation to do just that is ours as we
look to heaven and look forward to the appearing of Jesus; as we see ourselves clearly, as we see ourselves as Christ has made us, the special people of God, zealous for good works.
Prayer: Father, I confess that often I am found to be supposedly listening but not obeying, therefore I confess that I am not listening, not truly. Forgive my indolence,
my willfulness. My hope is found only in Your mercy. Help me to be conscious of my wandering and by the power of Your Spirit, tame my rebellious heart, through Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen.
Hymn: O The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
