Young Man, Go With God All The Way Hebrews 12:1
Life for a young person is often described as a race. It’s filled with energy, potential, challenges, and sometimes, unexpected hurdles. The journey of faith, too, is a race—a marathon, not a sprint. The writer of Hebrews calls us to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (Hebrews 12:1). Today, I want to impress upon our young people, and indeed all of us, the vital importance of going with God all the way in this race of life.
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1. You Are Not Alone: Others Have Run Before You (Hebrews 12:1a)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses..."
Young people, it’s crucial to remember that you are not running this race in isolation. You are surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses"—heroes of faith from generations past who have run their race and finished strong. They are living examples of faith, perseverance, and God's faithfulness. Their stories, recorded in Scripture and in church history, should inspire you to remain steadfast. You have a legacy of faith to draw strength from, knowing that what God did for them, He can and will do for you.
2. Get Rid of Everything That Hinders Your Walk (Hebrews 12:1b)
"...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles."
To run effectively, a runner sheds anything that adds unnecessary weight or could cause them to trip. Spiritually, this means identifying and getting rid of anything that hinders your walk with God. These aren't always obvious sins; sometimes, seemingly harmless things—distractions, excessive pursuits, negative habits, or even good things that become idols—can subtly entangle you and slow your spiritual progress. It's a call for honest self-reflection and a willingness to resign from anything that pulls you away from God's best.
3. Run with Perseverance, Not with Haste (Hebrews 12:1c)
"...and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
The race of faith is not about who starts fastest or who makes the most immediate splash. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and it requires perseverance—endurance, steadfastness, and consistency. There will be seasons of rapid growth and seasons that feel slow and arduous. The call is to keep going, one step at a time, trusting God to carry you. Don't mistake haste for progress; true progress with God comes through constancy and unwavering commitment.
4. Keep Your Eyes on Jesus, Not on Distractions (Hebrews 12:2a)
"fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
In any race, looking at your competitors or at the finish line prematurely can cause you to stumble. In the spiritual race, the greatest strategy is to keep your eyes firmly fixed on Jesus. The world is full of distractions—temptations, worldly ambitions, social pressures, and even spiritual struggles. Focusing on Jesus, the one who started and finished the race perfectly, is essential to staying on track and not getting sidetracked by the clamor and allure of the world.
5. Remember Christ's Example: He Did Not Give Up (Hebrews 12:2b)
"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."
Jesus is our ultimate model of perseverance. He endured unimaginable pain and shame on the cross, not because He enjoyed it, but "for the joy set before Him." He did not give up. When you face pain, injustice, or intense difficulty, remember Christ's example. He went all the way for us, demonstrating that perseverance, even in the midst of suffering, leads to ultimate victory and glory. He knows what you're going through, and He provides the strength to endure.
6. The End Is Worth It: The Reward Is Ready (Hebrews 12:2c)
"...and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Just as Jesus, after enduring the cross, was exalted and sat down at the right hand of God, there is a glorious reward awaiting those who persevere in the faith. The trials, the self-denial, the moments of weariness—they are all worth it. Young man, young woman, don't lose sight of the eternal perspective. The heavenly reward, the intimacy with God, and the crown of righteousness are ready for those who run faithfully to the end.
7. It Is Possible to Reach the End with God (Revelation 2:10b)
"Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown."
The journey can be long, and the challenges daunting, but Revelation 2:10 offers a powerful assurance: it is possible to reach the end with God. He calls you not only to start well, full of youthful zeal, but to finish faithfully by His side. Your faithfulness, even to the very end of your life, is precious to Him, and He promises the victor's crown of eternal life.
- Young People, Allow God to Organize and Direct Your Day and Your Life Romans 6:13; 12:1
- Young Man, Grow Up to Become Mature Ephesians 4:12-13
- Young! Get Involved and Do the Lord's Work Mark 16:15
Conclusion:
Beloved young people, and all who are running this race of faith, God calls you to go with Him all the way. You are not alone; you have a cloud of witnesses. You are called to shed what hinders, to run with perseverance, to fix your eyes on Jesus, to remember His example, to anticipate the glorious reward, and to know that, by His grace, you can reach the end, faithful and victorious.
So, press on! Keep running, keep trusting, keep believing. For with God, you can go all the way to the finish line and receive the imperishable crown.
