Running Light

Let It Be So: A Devotional Journey Through Scripture’s Commands — Devotion 12 of 12

Hebrews 12:1 — “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.”

Opening Reflection

This command follows immediately after Hebrews 11’s long roll call of faith - Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and many more who “died in faith, not having received the things promised” (11:13). They are now called the “cloud of witnesses” surrounding those still running.

“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.” Two commands are paired here - lay aside, and run - and the first makes the second possible.

Verse 2 completes the sentence: “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.” The race is not run by staring at the witnesses. It is run by looking to Christ.

Taking a Devotional View

“Weight” and “sin” are deliberately distinguished. Not every hindrance is sinful, but anything that slows the race - however neutral it seems - is called to be laid aside right alongside actual sin. Both words picture a garment entangling a runner’s legs.

This is a fitting close for a series on “let” commands. Having considered peace, speech, love, anger, endurance in doing good, and confidence at the throne, this final command gathers them into one image: running unencumbered, cheered on not by witnesses grading our performance, but by the faithfulness of the God who has already brought them home.

Key Thoughts & Takeaways

Key Thoughts

  • The command follows the great roll call of faith in Hebrews 11, framing believers as still running the same race (Hebrews 11:39-40; 12:1).
  • Both “weight” and “sin” are named as things to lay aside, distinguishing hindrances from actual sin (Hebrews 12:1).
  • Endurance, not speed, is the quality commanded for the race (Hebrews 12:1).
  • The race is run by looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of faith, not merely at the witnesses (Hebrews 12:2).

Ask Yourself

  • What “weight” - not necessarily sinful, just slowing - do you need to lay aside right now?
  • Is there a specific sin that clings closely and consistently trips you up?
  • How does picturing faithful believers who’ve gone before as “witnesses” change how you view your current race?
  • Are you looking to Jesus as you run, or trying to run on willpower alone?

Lord Jesus, surrounded by so many who’ve finished this race in faith, let me lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely. Give me endurance, not speed, and keep my eyes fixed on You, who endured the cross before me and calls me to run light. In Your name, amen.

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