The biggest sports event in the universe — yes, bigger than the Super Bowl
Run the Race
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Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NET)
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A long passage, but an inspiring one.
I don’t want to get into the weeds by over-indulging in the different pieces of the metaphor.
Instead, let’s look at the passage as a whole.
It’s a beautiful picture of our spiritual journey.
The previous chapter talked much about the different faithful believers who came before us and set the example for us to follow.
If you’re blessed like I am, you probably have your own heroes of faith you can look at who set the example for you.
Be encouraged by these heroes.
They are rooting for you to succeed — to thrive — in your race.
More than the heroes cheering us on, we have Christ Himself waiting at the finish line.
He’s the one that made this race possible.
Without His work on earth, and death on the cross, and then resurrection, we would be doomed to eternity in hell.
We have no race without Him.
And there He is, standing at the finish line, cheering you on alongside the legions of other saints. More than any raucous stadium, bigger than any football championship bowl, is the crowd cheering you on today.
Take heart and run your race to the best of your ability.
I know you’ll slip and fall along the way — I will too.
But Christ paved the path, empowers us to run, and cheers us on.
So …
RUN!
🏁
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2026 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.