Hebrews 12
Running the Race of Faith – Reflections on Hebrews 12
The twelfth chapter of Hebrews invites us into a powerful, sometimes painful, but ultimately hopeful picture of what it means to live a life of faith. As we dug into this dense and deeply moving chapter in our podcast, we couldn’t help but feel its urgency—and its encouragement—for those of us committed to following Jesus today. Here are some of our takeaways.
A Race Worth Running
Right from the start, Hebrews 12 tells us we are running a race—and not just any race. This is a long, grueling, meaningful marathon of faith. We’re reminded that we’re not alone. There’s a great cloud of witnesses—those who have gone before us in chapter 11—who testify to the power of living by faith, even when they didn’t see the promises fulfilled in their lifetime.
This race demands endurance, perseverance, and a willingness to throw off the things that entangle and trip us up. The sin that Hebrews describes isn't always the dark, obvious kind. Sometimes it’s the subtle kind—sin that looks good, feels good, maybe even seems harmless. But it's dangerous, and it slows us down. We need to get rid of it, not in our own strength, but with God's help.
The word for "race" here is agona—a Greek term that means struggle or conflict. It’s the same word Paul uses all over the New Testament to describe the spiritual life. So we know: this is not a sprint. It’s a long haul. And if we’re going to endure, we need a rhythm of life that sustains us—staying rooted in Scripture, worship, community, and repentance.
Discipline That Forms Us
One of the hardest—but most necessary—truths in Hebrews 12 is this: God disciplines those He loves. Verses 5–11 show us a picture of God as a good Father, training us, correcting us, and allowing hardship to shape us. It’s not punishment; it’s preparation.
Sometimes, the pain we experience is the result of our own choices. Other times, it’s part of God’s refining work in us. Either way, He’s present. He’s working. And He’s using it for our good—to produce a “harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (v. 11).
This truth hit home in the smallest of parenting moments—like taking candy out of our child’s lunchbox after disobedience. It was hard, even heartbreaking, but necessary. The lesson? Discipline doesn’t feel good in the moment, but it leads to life and maturity. In the same way, God’s discipline isn’t about control—it’s about growth. And His motivation is always love.
Eyes Fixed on Jesus
In the middle of the chaos, Hebrews calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus—the author and perfecter of our faith. He endured the cross, scorning its shame, for the joy set before Him (v. 2). He ran His race, and now He walks with us through ours.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus means turning our gaze away from the distractions, the temptations, and the lies that promise short-term gain but lead to long-term loss. Like Esau trading his inheritance for a meal (v. 16), we are tempted to give up something precious for something fleeting. But we are called to more.
This chapter ends by contrasting Mount Sinai, where the law was given, with Mount Zion—the heavenly city. Sinai represented fear and separation; Zion represents joy, invitation, and intimacy with God. And it’s through Jesus—the mediator of a new covenant—whose blood speaks a better word than the blood of Abel (v. 24), that we have access to this life of freedom.
Living for More Than Ourselves
The life of faith isn’t just about personal growth. It’s about blessing others. Verse 13 gives us a beautiful image: “Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.” When we walk in freedom, we help others walk too.
We don’t run this race alone. Our obedience, our healing, our perseverance—it paves the way for others. The discipline we accept now builds a foundation not just for ourselves but for our families, our churches, our communities. Our faith becomes legacy.
So, let’s endure. Let’s run. Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus and live with the kind of vision that refuses to trade eternal inheritance for temporary comfort. Because the shaking will come, but what cannot be shaken—God’s kingdom—will remain.
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” (Hebrews 12:28)
Let’s keep going. We’re in this together.
