Run Your Race! The One God Chose for You!
A Lesson on Hebrews 12:1-3, 7a From Sunday, November 10, 2024
Learn more about Eric Liddell HERE. (This is the Wikipedia post on Liddell)
Learn more about the movie Chariots of Fire HERE.
Key Learning:
God has chosen a race for each of us as Christians to run throughout our lives. But we may never have figured out what that race might be.
Scripture
Hebrews 12:1-3, 7a
Three Running Patterns
Tarahumara Indians
The Tarahumara Indians' running culture included 80 and 100 mile runs.
There are some interesting parallels that can be drawn between their running culture and certain Christian principles:
Endurance and Perseverance: The Tarahumara are known for their extraordinary endurance and ability to run long distances. This can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian life, which often requires perseverance and endurance in the face of challenges and trials.
Community and Shared Experience: The Tarahumara often run in groups, sharing the experience and supporting each other. This echoes the idea of the Christian community, where believers support and encourage one another on their spiritual journey.
Harmony with Nature: The Tarahumara's deep connection to the natural world aligns with certain Christian teachings about stewardship of creation and living in harmony with nature.
Forrest Gump
The phrase "Run, Forrest, Run!" is most famously associated with the 1994 film Forrest Gump. In the movie, Jenny yells this phrase at Forrest when he is being chased by bullies.
The phrase has since become a popular catchphrase, often used humorously to encourage someone to run away from a difficult situation or to simply start running.
It is important to note that the phrase can also have a more serious meaning. In the context of the movie, it represents Forrest's determination and perseverance in the face of adversity. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best thing to do is to keep moving forward, no matter what obstacles may arise.
"Run Forrest, Run" is a call to action for the character Forrest Gump to run, often for no particular reason:
Loneliness: Forrest's loneliness leads him to run.
Finding meaning: The movie is about finding meaning in life despite facing challenges and encourages people to not stop and dwell on past experiences.
Doing things: The movie is about how people should do things because that's how they feel.
Eric Liddell
Running in "Chariots of Fire" holds a profound and multifaceted significance for the characters and the film's overall themes. Here's a breakdown of the deep meaning:
A Divine Calling: Liddell sees running as a way to glorify God. He believes that his speed is a gift from God, and he uses it to honor his creator.
A Spiritual Pursuit: Running becomes a form of worship for Liddell. It's a way to connect with his faith and experience a sense of transcendence.
A Balance of Faith and Competition: Liddell's decision to participate in the Olympics, even when it conflicts with his religious beliefs, showcases the complex interplay between faith and worldly pursuits.
A Metaphor for Life's Journey: The act of running symbolizes the human journey, with its challenges, triumphs, and the pursuit of personal goals.
A Reflection of the Human Spirit: The film celebrates the human spirit's capacity for resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.
A Testament to the Power of Belief: Liddell demonstrates the transformative power of faith, hope, and love.
Hebrews 12:1 perfectly captures Liddell's approach to his Olympic race. He saw his athletic abilities as a gift from God and a platform to glorify Him. He ran with endurance and purpose, not just for personal glory, but to honor his Creator.
Here's how the verse connects to Liddell's story:
"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us": Liddell's determination to run in the 400m race, when the 100m relay race conflicted with his religious beliefs because it was held on Sunday, demonstrates his endurance and commitment to his spiritual goals.
"Let us lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely": Liddell's unwavering faith and dedication to his Christian principles allowed him to focus on his race without distractions or worldly concerns.
"So great a cloud of witnesses": Liddell felt a responsibility to run well, not just for himself, but for those who had come before him and for those who would come after.
In essence, Liddell's story is a powerful illustration of Hebrews 12:1. His unwavering faith, determination, and commitment to his spiritual goals make him a timeless example of how to run the race set before us.
Life Application:
· The running of the Tarahumara Indians, Forest Gump, Eric Liddell, and the biblical admonition to "run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1) are interconnected by the theme of endurance, purpose, and spiritual significance.
Disciple vs. Discipline from Verse 7a:
The root word of discipline is “disciple,” which comes from the Latin word disciples meaning “student.” Most people believe a disciple is a “follower” (probably because of the religious context), but in reality it means student—as in, “one who studies.”
A Christian disciple is a student who is pursuing the discipline God can offer through running with passion throughout their lives! – George Bullard
In the Bible, "gird up your loins" means to prepare yourself, work hard, and serve in the kingdom. It can also mean to be steadfast in your faith.
The phrase comes from the ancient practice of tucking the loose ends of a tunic into a girdle to free up the legs for work or battle. The tunic was a comfortable, flowing garment, but the hem would get in the way when fighting or doing hard labor.
In biblical times, men wore long robes that could hinder movement. To prepare for work or battle, they would tuck their robes into a belt, effectively "girding up their loins." This act symbolized readiness and preparedness. In a spiritual context, "girding up your loins" means preparing yourself mentally and spiritually for a task or challenge, often with a sense of urgency and determination.Here is an example of the phrase in the Bible:
Luke 12:35--Jesus tells his disciples to "let your loins be girded about" to be prepared for his return.
NT Wright: The Christian pilgrimage is like a long-distance race. Run the Race . . .
First, by getting rid of any heavy weights/training weights which are slowing you down.
Second, it is a long race—longer than you think—so you must have patience.
Third, always focus on the finish line.
Important:
The difficulty of the race is not a sign of God’s absence, but the evidence of his presence.