Running the Race Together
“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, 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 cis seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” —Hebrews 12:1-2
For a novice runner like me, running the Boston Marathon was a dream. But it wasn’t the staggering, hilly course or the half-a-million people cheering that surprised me most. It was the solidarity between strangers that struck me. While chugging along, I watched injured athletes being consoled by strangers on the edges of the streets of Brookline. I watched athletes with disabilities being cheered by strangers. I spoke to a crying athlete nearing the end of the course on Commonwealth Ave, openly weeping due to painful cramps in her malfunctioning legs. I didn’t know her, but I urged her to hang on as we were almost to the finish. There were moments while witnessing this mass of humanity, most of whom had never laid eyes on each other before—exhorting and imploring—where my own eyes welled up. I had sunglasses on so no one saw! But I was struck by the strange solidarity that marked this famous race.
Some things in this world reflect things from another world. After Marathon Monday, I would say that I was able to witness first-hand something that profoundly resembles the Christian life. As I reflected back, I was convicted thinking about God’s people. Why are we not as “for” one another, no questions, as these people were? Why is the church so often marked by agendas and distractions, instead of unbroken encouragement? If any body of people ought to be devoted to one another without reservation it’s the flock of God. The author of Hebrews uses the image of a great cloud of witnesses watching as Christians run their course, which is the motivation to lay aside every weight and sin that hinders us from running well. The church of Christ is rooting for you! Let’s pray that those who run after Jesus would feel the unquestionable support of God’s people when they run among us. May we love and encourage one another, and even strangers—exhorting them to be holy and not give up. For God has called us to run the race together as we look to Jesus, who ran ahead of us to a cross, that we might share in his joy.
