The end of yesterday’s reading examined through many Old Testament examples the application of the faith principle to life. These are presented both as spectators and witnesses cheering on the Christian to run and complete his own race of faith in life. The lives of these forerunners not only observe but have themselves participated in their own race and therefore by their example help to interpret the meaning of life to the Christian. Their lives make clear the certain success of persistent participation v.1.

Their message is: keep your eyes fixed on the goal, the Lord Jesus (v.2).  He is the object of faith’s vision and he participated in this persistence of belief in his own life; for his human experience was controlled by faith, not by sight. He further encourages in that he endured the greatest suffering on the cross but never deserted his life of faith. V.3-4 encourage the Christian to persevere through his own hardships, not to seek easy relief; to go on beyond weariness to finish and never to quit. In his commentary A. C. Purdy says: this race is ‘not a short dash to glory, but a distance race calling for endurance’.

In the next section (v.5-24) the writer explains the meaning of suffering as the discipline of a loving Father.  By the metaphor of parental disciplining the writer puts a positive slant on many of life’s otherwise negative experiences. V.9 alludes to the correct attitude to suffering and hardship that the Christian should hold: my Father in heaven who loves me will work this out.  Therefore, submission and acceptance are valuable qualities for the Christian to cultivate in himself.

Self-discipline is also of the highest value, the opposite to the self-actualisation which our culture promotes. V.12-17 alludes to the danger of Christians drifting away from the faith through gradual dullness and the building up of indifference to sin and refusal to disciple himself.  As Wescott puts it moral strength is weakened ‘little by little’. V.15 points out the importance of the corporate role of the Church in this.  All members have responsibility to ensure others are keeping pace with the movement of divine grace (Purdy). V.16 alludes the Church’s role to ensure no godless or sinful individuals arise.  Such people do not value spiritual things and can wreak great havoc in the Church.

Finally, the writer draws a contrast between the ancient people of God who dreaded to draw near Mount Sinai and the atmosphere of joy and peace into which the Christian following these practices may enter at the festal gatherings of church.

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Pray for the Church and pray God increases the Christian passion of each of us.