. . . Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith . . .
Hebrews 12:1–2

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,
for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23

As we step into 2024, I want to offer two words pictures that frame the way we might think about the upcoming year. If this election year is anything like the last election year (2020), it will, in the infamous words of Ned Ryerson, be a “doozy.”

Doozy or not, however, the year of the Lord 2024 was planned by God before the foundation of the world and it will proceed according to his plan, whether than plan involves regime changes, military operations, economic failures, societal revolution, or just mundane progress. In all that could occur this year, there is nothing that will separate us, the children of God, from the love of God in Jesus Christ. And so, as we step into this year, we should do so with faith in God’s son, hope in God’s future, and love for God’s people.

To do that I want to offer two images from Hebrews. Both call Christians to refuse to shrink back and to endure the trials of life with steadfastness. With these biblical images, may the Spirit of God give us grace to endure as we think rightly about this upcoming year.

First, we should run the race with endurance.

In Hebrews 12, we are called to throw off every hindrance and the sin that so easily entangles so that we can run a straight race. Indeed, with eyes fixed on the Lord, we are called to run whatever path God has given to us. We don’t get to pick the path or the obstacles in our way. Rather, we are simply called to follow Christ.

Indeed, over the course of a lifetime, there are flat places to run and hilly places to climb; there will be smooth ground to trod and rough places to roll ankles. In all, however, the calling is the same. Run straight ahead. Don’t get distracted. Don’t cheat. Don’t quit. Keep your eyes on Christ and follow him.

As it is has often been expressed, the Christian life is not a sprint but a marathon. And during those miles in the middle, you will have to fight the demons in your head. The voices that say, “Take it easy . . . Take a break . . . Quit . . . Why are you doing this? . . . Is it worth it?” In moments where doubts like this arise, look to Christ.

Consider a world without him, and confess, “Lord, where shall we go, you have the words of life” (John 6:68)? Consider the final condition of those who are without Christ (Psalm 73), and confess “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you” (v. 25). Stock your mind with truth, and take that next step, whether it is painful or pleasing.

In the end, the crown goes to the one who finishes his race. It doesn’t go to the speedy, the strong, or the smart. It goes to the steadfast. So, whatever happens in 2024, stay the course, seek Christ, and find a church where you can run the race together:  Let us run with endurance.

Second, we should hold fast the confession with others.

In addition to running the race with eyes fixed on Christ, we need to run the race with others. Or, to change the metaphor, we need to hold fast the confession together (Heb. 10:23).

To borrow another physical image that illustrates the need for spiritual exertion, consider an isometric group hold. In physical training, isometric exercises are those that hold a position until the muscles give out. Wall sits, planks, and dead hangs (i.e., hanging from a bar) are all isometric exercises. And while they may seem like they do nothing, because there is no observable movement, they are tremendously effective. They strengthen, stabilize, and straighten the body.

So too does the spiritual exertion of holding fast to the Lord. Especially when the world is shaking and the devil is raging, faith that doesn’t budge builds the body of Christ in ways that Bible studies and service projects do not. Nothing purifies our understanding of what is important like holding fast to our confession, when others rail against us. And nothing galvanizes the church like others working against God’s people.

Thus, while we always grieve when sin and circumstances that harm the church, we also know that God uses such storms to make his kingdom unshakable. As Hebrews 12:26–29 goes on to say,

At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.

What a wonderful promise. God’s kingdom is unshakable. And all those who are heirs of that kingdom will not be separated from their king, so long as they run the race with endurance and hold fast to their confession with unfailing conviction.

In 2024, may that be our Spirit-empowered resolution. May we resolve to fix our eyes on Christ and to run the race with perseverance. Just the same, may we take our place on the wall and hold fast the confession, even as we uphold others who are doing the same. Indeed, we are not made to hold fast by ourselves. We need one another and I suspect that truth will be reinforced as we walk through this year.

So find a church where you can run the race together, all the while holding fast to your confession. This is the way of Christ in all years, but especially in the year of our Lord 2024.

Soli Deo Gloria, ds