Hebrews 12:12-17

An Exhortation to Continue to the End of the Race

The writer urged the Hebrews to take strength from knowing God loved them and continue the race. To aid in this, he encouraged them to choose as straight and even a path as possible. Following such a course prevents jostling weaker ones and making it more difficult for them to run the race to its end. They were also encouraged to maintain peaceful relations with all those around them. This would make the running easier both with fellow runners and through a country that could be hostile if provoked (Hebrews 12:12-14).

The writer exhorted them to carefully watch so no one would fall behind to the point of not being able to complete the race. He warned against sin in the camp that might cause the whole group to fall out of the race. Particularly, he warned against one who might become so wrapped up in the lusts of this world that he would throw off the religion of God and sell his birthright as a Christian. One who did this would be like Esau, who sold his birthright for some meat to eat. By doing this, Esau showed how lightly he thought of the promises from God that were included in his birthright. Later, when he wanted the blessing that was a part of that birthright, he was rejected. There was no way to change the effects of the selling of his birthright, even though he sought the blessing sincerely in tears (Hebrews 12:15-17).