Press On

A Message to Garcia

In 1899, Elbert Hubbard told wrote an essay about 1st. Lt. Andrew S. Rowan. In the days and weeks prior to the Spanish-American War, President McKinley needed to get a message to General Garcia - a leader of the insurgency in the mountains of Cuba. Garcia’s exact location was unknown. Back then, communications were slow and un-reliable. McKinley needed to communicate to Garcia - but how? One of McKinley’s advisors recommended 1st. Lt. Rowan - stating that if anyone could find Garcia - Rowan would.

So, Rowan was summoned. McKinley gave Rowan a sealed message and said simply “Carry a message to Garcia.”

Rowan’s resourcefulness and determination became the subject of the remainder of this essay. He did not ask for Garcia’s location - he simply obeyed and got to work. It took Rowan four days to travel to Cuba. Once on the Island, he ventured into the jungle wilderness of Cuba for three weeks and accomplished the mission set before him. He was undaunted by the task and undeterred in his focus. He had a job to do and got it done.

(summary referenced from Wikipedia)

One of the endearing and encouraging elements of Rowan’s story is that he did not give up. He did not waver. He did not ask for clarification or look for a way around the arduous task before him. He simply got to work and worked until he finished the assignment.

I’m not sure if I would be able to do what Rowan did. I’m not sure I would have the courage and determination that he did - at least not at first. But now that he has done it, we all get to benefit from his example.

I highly recommend this little essay that was turned into a small book. Whether you’re a student or an adult - it’s a worthy and encouraging read - but it’s not scripture.

This week and next week, as we dive into the Word, we’re going to take a brief break from our series God’s Story in Scripture. Instead we’ll be taking a look at how we can live by faith in any circumstance. We’ll think about that from an individual standpoint this week and then we will look at it more corporately next week.

In the Bible, we have pages and pages of inspiration and examples. The writer of Hebrews summarized so many of them in Hebrews chapter 11 as he chronicles so many heroes of the faith.

If we were to look back over chapter 11, we would hear of biblical “Rowans” who obediently accomplished by faith, the assignments that God had placed before them. Let’s just consider a few:

Hebrews 11:8–9 ESV

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise.

Moses:

Hebrews 11:24–27 ESV

By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.

The Author of Hebrews goes on to affirm qualities of so many others:

Hebrews 11:33–38 ESV

who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

From one perspective, we could look at this list and these experiences and say - “I don’t want any of that.” It truly doesn’t sound exciting. But think about this - why would they endure so much? What was their motivation to go through so much pain?

They could see by faith that God had something more for them; something more for us.

The writer of Hebrews continues with the passage that we’re going to consider today:

Hebrews 12:1–2 ESV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

We might even rephrase and summarize it this way:

“Because so many people are watching, let’s lighten the load of trappings and transgressions and run the long race before us, following Jesus example.”

So, let’s consider this paraphrase and the verse phrase by phrase. First of all...

Because so many people are watching...

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses...”

As we think about these witnesses, the people who are watching, it seems like these fall into two categories. The first...

Witnesses who have gone before

After having provided the examples of those who have gone before, the writer of Hebrews calls us to be aware that they are watching. Many commentators agree that the “witnesses” are those saints who have gone before.

In fact, the ESV Study Bible even makes this a bit more clear by noting that in Greek - the writer uses two words that sound similar to connect the two sections.

Hebrews 11:39 ESV

And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,

Here, the word “commended” in Greek is the word “marturĕō, mar-too-reh´-o” (Strongs, 46) - which means to be a witness or to testify.

In Hebrews 12:1 - he uses the word “martus, mar´-toos” - which means “a witness” or a martyr or a record (ibid.).

The point I think he is trying to make is that because there are people who have gone before, who have finished the race and have kept the faith - they are watching - even waiting to encourage us.

I think we could think about it like someone who has already done a task or learned a skill or accomplished a big goal that you’ve wanted to do - run a marathon, learn how to knit, learn to drive, or play a sport. Those who have done it before know it can be done. Those who are alive might even be able to help you get there. Those who have passed on become examples of encouragement.

These heroes of the faith have lived as examples. We could even say that they are waiting for us at the finish line - ready to cheer us on.

But, while the author is exhorting us to be aware of these witnesses from before, I think we also have to be mindful of the...

Witnesses around us

Whether it is family, neighbors, friends, co-workers, fellow believers - people are watching. They are watching how we run this race of the faith. They are watching how we finish, how we handle adversity, how we deal with struggles, and successes. They are watching.

What do they see in you and me? What do they hear in our speech? What do they see in how we love? Can they accuse us of being believers by our actions?

So the writer encourages us that “because so many people are watching...” secondly...

let’s lighten the load of trappings and transgressions...

“let us also lay aside every weight and the sin which clings so closely...”

It is difficult to run a race when you’re overweight or carrying a lot of equipment. Fitness for the race is key.

The race of faith that is marked before us is an endurance race. Here, the author seems to suggest that there are two categories of things that can impact our race - weight and sin.

weight (or trappings) - with weight - I don’t think he’s talking about our physique - though we do need to be good stewards of the bodies that God has given us. The Greek word here refers to something that causes bending or impedes progress. Some translations use the word “hindrance” or “encumbrance” or even a “weight that slows us down.” These things are sometimes easy to see in a physical race - for example, you wouldn’t want to run being grossly overweight or burdened with a backpack or baggage.

But what are these weights spiritually? What are the things we need to lay aside?

It seems like this weight may refer to concerns of this world - things that are out of our control - or things that should be lower priority. We could think of this as things that would distract us from running the race properly or might compromise our witness. There are a lot of things we could put here - money, politics, freedoms, material possessions, hobbies, sports, leisure, hunting, entertainment, etc. None of these things are evil or bad in and of themselves, but outside of a proper perspective, they can be a distraction and an encumbrance to our faith.

So, let’s consider a couple of these briefly.

Hobbies or Home improvements - Now as someone who does not really have any hobbies and is not very good at home improvement - this is going to sound like I’m meddling - but hear me out. When I have seen the skill with which some of you knit or sew or work with wood or garden or paint - I am thoroughly impressed. I admire your craftsmanship and artistry. In many ways I long to be able to do that same sort of thing. As someone who has tried to gain skills to make our new house more of a home - I understand that hobbies and home improvements can take time. There are the countless hours of research and planning, dreaming, wondering, and researching some more. As I think about projects around my house, I do wonder if the “weight” of those concerns and the financial burden that I might be taking on would be too much of a distraction. (shutters) Could we use these skills as a means of discipleship or a way to glorify God rather than a mere distraction or escape?

or let’s think about something over which we have less control

Politics - I know, there are people on both sides of the political landscape who feel passionately about the outcome of the election. As believers, I wonder if our worry and concern over the election and various other events surrounding it are more a distraction than a benefit. We need to be good citizens. We have been instructed to pray for our leaders. I fear that if people know us by our political identity rather than our identity in Christ then we may have our priorities out of order. This trapping might cause us to be hindered in our ability to run the race of faith effectively.

Now, as I said, none of these things are bad in and of themselves, but they can weigh us down in this race.

If the trappings might encumber us, there is something else that is bad...

sin or transgressions - the ESV translate this as “sin which clings so closely.” There are some sins that can become like the Apostle Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” These are things that not only hinder our ability to run the race, but clearly compromise our testimony. There is a struggle that we must face as we battle against the sin that ensnares us - or “besets” us (as the KJV says).

Over the next several verses in chapter 12, the author of Hebrews goes into a great deal of discussion about sin - our struggle against it and the loving discipline we receive because of it. Look at what he writes in verses 11-16a:

English Standard Version Chapter 12

11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy

This sin, like Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” becomes weaknesses in our ability to run the race. He urges us to lift, strengthen, and straighten the things that are drooping, weak, and lame. It certainly seems like this is not an individual event - but something we do with one another. We need to look out for one another and hold each other accountable - not so we can become bitter and gossip, but so we can spur one another on toward holiness. We are not in this race alone.

People are watching, so let’s lighten the load… thirdly...

and run the long race before us...

“and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...”

The race of our faith is a long race - it’s not a sprint. It’s an endurance race - we need to pace ourselves for this. I think it’s important that we not get too hung up on small set backs or failures, but that we get up and run.

But, notice what the writer says here - run with endurance the race that is set before us. This is not necessarily the race of our choosing. It’s not like getting on a Peleton or a high end treadmill and choosing the virtual exercise path that you’ll take while sitting in the comfort of your living room. The race before us is the race that has been set before us - by God.

Several years ago, Danielle and I were training together to run a half-marathon. One of the challenges I’ve run into with races like this is that so many of them are on Sunday. So we picked a race that would happen on a Saturday - and one that was close enough for us to get to in order to be home by Sunday. We chose the Charm City Marathon in Baltimore. This was a road course and was close and we had some friends and family who were going to run this with us. But then, as the date approached, we found that we had a conflict that we had overlooked. Running this race on this day was not going to work. So we looked for an alternative - the same criteria - a race on a Saturday that was close enough to drive to and get back for Sunday. We found one in West Virginia. Instead of being a road race, this was a trail race in the forest. Instead of being flattened out by concrete and pavement, this was narrow trails that followed the undulation of the mountains - in fact there was over 600 feet of elevation change. The race we chose as a second choice was harder than the first - but it was a race we chose.

The course that is set before us spiritually, I believe, is a course that is ordained, chosen by God. Sure, we have some choice, some say. He gives us desires and interests and invites us to pursue those - but so many of the challenges and difficulties of the environment we can’t change. We have little say over politics once our vote is cast. We can’t control our neighbors and their dogs - but we can control our response. We don’t get to choose our family, but we do get to love them and show them grace. We can’t choose how other people will treat us. We can’t choose how the coronavirus or any other disease will affect us or how the governing authorities will react, but we can choose how we will live in the midst of the circumstances.

In these recent months, there has been a lot of talk about safety. Everyone’s priority seems to be your safety and mine. Where that might be okay in general - our safety is not God’s priority. He is more concerned with our sanctification than He is with our safety - which is why suffering, sickness, challenges, trials, and persecution are all things that many Christians experience. God uses those things to sanctify us toward holiness. I’ve heard it said that the most dangerous place to be is in the center of God’s will - but it is the best place to be as well!

Running this race successfully means that we must make adjustments for the roots of the trail and the slope of the mountainous obstacles that God allows before us.

Press on

endure

keep going

So, we have people watching us. We are encouraged to let go of trappings and trespasses and endure the race that is set before us, and finally...

following Jesus’ example...

“looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Not only are we not in this alone, but we have the best example to follow. Consider the life that Jesus led:

He left the glories of heaven to be like us

Lived a perfect life - completely obeying the law of God

He helped us understand the ways of God more clearly

Rather than seeking out the comfort and honor that he deserved - he found joy in what was set before him

He endured the cross - the painful, agonizing, tortuous cross. We could go into gross detail over what he endured. After being beaten with a whip that was designed to tear his skin, he was crowned with thorns that were likely 2 inches long. He had the equivalent of railroad spikes driven through his wrists and feet. Then he hung on a rough hewn cross for hours - suffocating under the weight of his weakened body.

Despising the shame - As if the pain of the torture wasn’t enough, the shame of humiliation was piled on as he hung naked on the cross. Yet Jesus despised the shame - he looked down on it.

Why did He go through all of this? He did it to make a way for you and me to be in a relationship with God. Our sin prevents us from having proper fellowship with God. Our sin deserves death (Rom. 6:23). Consider how Peter discusses this:

1 Peter 2:21–24 ESV

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Friend - have you trusted in what Jesus did for you? Have you repented/turned away from your sin, and by faith trusted that Jesus paid the price of your sin for you?

But I think there is another reason that Jesus endured this. It is sometimes selfish for us to assume that we are the only reason Jesus endured what He did. We are certainly beneficiaries. But because he endured the cross and the shame - he is glorified.

The writer of Hebrews says that He is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Apostle Paul summarized it this way:

Philippians 2:8–9 ESV

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,

But he doesn’t just leave it there. He continues...

Philippians 2:10–11 ESV

so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Even in Jesus’ prayer in John 17 - he talks about being glorified just as he glorified the father.

Beloved, Jesus is our example. He is the focus of our attention. The suffering we will endure will pale in comparison. But there will be suffering.

There will also be a crown - there will be a reward - there will be glory.

Now, I’m not simply talking about the glories of heaven - I do think that’s part of it. I think part of it is getting there after finishing the race and hearing our Savior say “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Peter again writes:

1 Peter 1:6–7 ESV

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

There is a reward awaiting you - press on.

Closing Thoughts

Because so many people are watching, let’s lighten the load of trappings and transgressions and run the long race before us, following Jesus example.

I think I’ve mentioned this before, but it seems fitting to discuss again. In 2018, we got to watch my brother run his second or third Ironman (and possibly his last - since he recently ruptured his achilles). He had been training for months with a coach who had run several Ironman races - hours and hours of running, biking, swimming. The race happened in beautiful Whistler, BC. I think he chose that race because of the beauty and environment, but also because of the expected climate. Being that far north, their summers are usually cooler than the Southern California summers he was used to - but not that year.

The night before, he positioned his equipment in the various stations for transition between the events.

He awoke early to prepare for the first leg of the race - the 2 mile swim. So far so good. He was not in his best shape, but he had trained well and trained hard.

After swimming there was the quick change and then the bike ride - 110 miles. The uphills where grueling. The downhills were refreshing, but were finished far too quickly. As the hours past, he began to realize that he didn’t have the strength or endurance to race as he had before. Not only was his overall fitness not quite there, something was off in his nutrition - he was beginning to cramp up. Then there was also a mental distraction - the concern for his son who was in the hospital in Seattle. On top of that, some parts of the course surpassed 100 degrees F. But he adjusted and kept going.

As he finished the bike section, there was the run - a full marathon. He dismounted and began to get his feet beneath him, getting his muscles adjusted to a different kind of movement, he again noticed that something wasn’t right. He simply couldn’t run. So he walked, and walked, and walked. He tried moments of running, but returned to walking. He would get to different places where people would cheer him on, but when they realized what he was going through, some began to walk along side. He had partners in the race for much of the marathon. People who were not signed up, joined in to help him, to strengthen him, to encourage him. He was exhausted and wanted to quit, but he kept going.

Finally, in the darkened hours, the end was in sight. He began to pick up the pace. As he neared the finish line, you could hear the cheers - for him and all of the other runners who were coming in at that time. As he crossed the line, he was given an award and then greeted by his coach and his family. The joy and excitement was palpable.

Oh what a day that will be, when we will be welcomed into glory by various heroes of the faith - most importantly our coach and example and Savior - Jesus Christ. What joy that will be to hear him say - well done!

Hebrews 12:1–2 ESV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Press on!

Memory Verse: Hebrews 12:1-2

References

Clark, Elliot, Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission as Strangers in Our Own Land, (the Gospel Coalition, Norhaven, 2019).

ESV Study Bible

Wikipedia

Strong, James. A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible 2009 : 46. Print.