Help others as you run your race

Hebrews 12:12-13 Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. We receive encouragement today from these verses in light of the previous verses of this chapter where the author spurred his readers on to lay aside unbelief and run the race of life with eyes fixed on Jesus. We can tell that the imagery is of an athletic activity; a race is still in mind. Also, Is. 35:3 probably was in mind. “Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble,” and Prov. 4:26, “Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established.” Although this exhortation might have personal application, more than likely it was an admonition to encourage brothers or sisters who were struggling. We are not running our race alone. We are members of a running club, so to speak. Based on that, he gave a two-part exhortation to help other runners. First, take note of those who are incapable of keeping up because they are exhausted. The ideas of weak hands and feeble knees are a fit description of those who are weak in spirit. Some were losing heart and needed their brothers and sisters to come alongside and restore them to strength. I wonder if the author still had the exhortation in mind that he gave in 10:24. “Consider how to stimulate one another to love and good works.” Also, this certainly applies to those who, due to the intensity and stress of their suffering, were weary of the constant uphill battle. The more they prayed, the more circumstances worsened.  Can we relate to this condition? Do we know someone who seems so overcome and exhausted from the long trial that they are spiritually weak? Their faith muscles, so to speak, are exhausted. We are encouraged by this verse to come alongside them and strengthen their faith with the truths of Hebrews 12:1-11. These are important verses to commit to memory so that we have the first aid that is needed for our fellow runners. Second, take note of those who have been injured. They need to be healed before they run more. Their course needs to be a straight and easy path during this time, so they can heal and be strengthened to continue on. The concept of a path is like the track that a wheel makes in the dirt. We are to make tracks so others can follow.  As we run our race, we have been warned about unbelief. The sin of unbelief can cause serious injury. Back in 3:12-13, the author warned, “Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” When muscles get hard or cramped due to exhaustion, one becomes lame. Worse injuries may occur. The same happens spiritually. Those who suffer like this need a straight path to the throne of grace so they can be healed. We are to help them with clear, straightforward encouragement to draw near to Christ and to live to love with Jesus for help and healing. The straight path is the path of righteousness, and righteousness is walking in love with our brothers and sisters. That’s only possible if we are with Jesus, abiding in Him, and ministering out of His fullness and grace. When we love with Jesus, we are strengthened and healed in the process.