One of the special things about the Bible is that you can read passages more than once and see something different each time. A popular passage is Hebrews 12:1-3, one you have probably read yourself several times. I read that passage today, at the end of a very long day, and some of the words used in the New American Standard version helped me see it in a different light.
Verse 1 starts with telling us to, “lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles” (NASB). Encumbrance is not a word you hear everyday. According to Websters 1828 dictionary an encumbrance is something that impedes motion or renders it difficult. It also lists the word “clogs”. Then it mentions sin. The words “easily entangles” remind us how we can fall into sin without even trying. Both of these things work against progress towards God’s purpose for us. Laying these things aside must be a conscious action to continue our journey.
The end of verse 1 tells us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (NASB). Endurance means to continue without sinking or yielding to the pressure; the ability to withstand hardship (Websters Dictionary). We cannot keep moving forward with endurance if we do not first lay aside our hindrances. The hindrances become distractions that cause us to be weary. Focus and endurance is necessary because the race is the one set before us-no one else. Of course God has a purpose for each person’s life. However, your race and purpose is yours alone. No one else will fulfill the purpose God has for you.
The next 2 verses tell us to “fix our eyes on Jesus” and “consider what He did for us”. He went through things in His time on Earth. In all the trials He endured, He stayed fixed on God and God’s purpose for his life. The key to finding the strength to lay aside distractions and run our race comes from fixing our eyes on Jesus because He is stable. Not only is Jesus stable, but God’s purpose for our lives is stable also. We can survive our day even when we sin or encounter an encumbrance that impedes progress. We can thrive when we consciously lay those things aside and fix our eyes on Jesus to stay stable and steady in finishing our race!
Nae's Notes 