The Greatest Race

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The Greatest Race

by Dr. Alan Hix

March 5th will mark the start of the 50th anniversary running of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in Alaska. The race itself commemorates the brave men and dogs who endured a grueling 674 miles in the dead of winter to get life-giving serum to Nome during a deadly outbreak of diphtheria in 1925. Without their heroic efforts, many people would have died. The modern Iditarod not only memorializes that achievement, it also highlights the unique place mushers and their dog teams have in the fabric of Alaskan history and culture. Until the start of the pandemic, I had the privilege for twelve years of taking Shorter University students to participate in the start of what has been dubbed “The Last Great Race on Earth.” While the continuing pandemic prevents me from participating in the 50th anniversary event, I have found solace in the memories of past races.

This musing over the Last Great Race has reminded me of a greater race found in Hebrews 12:1-3: “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, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”

The readers of the book of Hebrews were Christians in Rome who were beginning to suffer under Nero’s persecution for their belief in Jesus. Life had become precarious for them. As a result, some of them had begun to waver in their walk of faith. The author uses the picture of a race to encourage his audience. He reminds them that Jesus willingly endured hostility, shame, and death on behalf of humanity. His perseverance in his race through all these struggles resulted in their salvation and his glorification. The author challenged them to show that same kind of endurance and, as an added encouragement, pictured the saints of old as cheering them on from the sidelines.

Human life is marked by struggle. It might be our health, our work, issues with our family, or possibly our

own sense of self-worth. We may feel like we are stumbling along, running the race by ourselves. We may have even lost sight of what the finish line looks like. In this passage, the author reminds us to keep our focus on Jesus. He ran his race successfully in spite of all the obstacles and hostility he faced. In addition to his guiding presence, we have a family of faith that stands with us, so we are never alone. As the perseverance of the mushers brought life-giving serum to dying people, so Christ’s perseverance brings us life and all that we need to overcome the struggles in our own race.

About The Author Dr. Alan Hix is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.