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Verse:Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. —Hebrews 12:1, 2
The modern marathon derives its name from the decisive battle at Marathon, Greece, where the Athenians repelled the Persian invasion on September 12, 490 BC.27 Although outnumbered, the Greek soldiers defeated the Persians.
A popular legend about the event suggests that Pheidippides, a soldier, was sent ahead to Athens, a distance of about 25 miles, to announce the victory. Upon reaching the Acropolis, he exclaimed, “Nike! Nike! Nenikekiam” (Victory! Victory! Rejoice, we conquer!), and then collapsed dead from exhaustion.
The Pheidippides story inspired the organizers of the first modern Olympics in Athens (1896) to include a long-distance footrace in honor of his run.
Similarly, we must run the race of faith to announce Christ’s victory over evil. In Hebrews 12:1, we are encouraged to “run with endurance.” Even if we end up collapsing at the end of our journey, we should do so, exclaiming like the apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7, 8).
But our task is not only to run the race of faith.
We must also be courageous soldiers of the cross and heralds of the gospel. Indeed, How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7, NIV).