Running the Race Before Us

Our first full day in Israel we visited Caesarea Maritima, the ruins of a city built by Herod the Great along the Mediterranean Sea. It became the Roman capital of Palestine and was where Pontius Pilate lived during the time of Jesus. It’s also where the Church Father Origen lived, and Eusebius, the first church historian lived there too.

One of the places in the city that has been uncovered and partially reconstructed is the hippodrome. A hippodrome is a large arena, with seats all around, used for chariot races and athletic competitions. This particular hippodrome is on the sea front, so some of the fans could see the water as well as the competition taking place in the arena. We sat in some of the seats for awhile and Pastor Bill Vanden Bosch described to us some of the pageantry that was part of a race, who might sit where, how a winner might be recognized and celebrated. We read aloud parts of Hebrews 11 – the stories of heroes of the faith – and these words from chapter 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Pastor Bill invited us to think about some of our heroes of the faith, and to imagine them in the stands cheering us on, and then to walk or run a lap around the arena as a sign of our desire to press on, to persevere for Jesus’ sake. I found myself thinking about Corrie ten Boom, who with her family sheltered Jews during WWII and survived a concentration camp and then traveled the world preaching and teaching forgiveness, I thought about my grandparents and their love, I thought about some of the folks from Boston Square who have died since Jay and I became your pastors, and I thought of Jesus, smiling and cheering as I ran.

It's not easy to be faithful in the midst of uncertainty and grief: to pray, to be patient and loving with ourselves and others, to practice compassion and generosity.

I don’t know about you, but I’m more likely to keep running if someone is watching. There’s some pressure that comes from having someone watching you, and there’s great encouragement if the folks watching are cheering for you.

As you persevere this week, remember the cloud of witnesses who surround us. Spend some time remembering your own heroes of faith, and the people who have loved you and gone before.

And remember that Jesus is smiling and cheering for you as you seek to live faithfully in these uncertain times.