Thursday 29 October 2026

Psalm 9:1-11

Background
Yesterday we saw how the writer of Hebrews brought the narrative of God’s faithful up to the present and included the readers. Today, we read that the story is not yet finished – there is still a call to remain faithful and to complete the task that has been given to the Christians.

That task is to follow Jesus in order to be with Jesus. The image of 'a race' is one that also appears elsewhere in the New Testament, so it might have been well known in the Early Church. Those who engage in athletics today are participating in sports that date back to the ancient world and in many ways have remained similar to their original forms. The attitudes of and the demands on participants have also remained much the same and the writer outlines three aspects of those.

The first is that athletes try to ensure that they are not encumbered. In the ancient world, participants in games would compete naked. In modern times, elite athletes wear specially produced kit that fits closely and weighs as little as possible so the runner is not burdened in any way. In the 2026 London Marathon, for example, the winners of both the men’s and women’s races wore shoes that weighed less than 100g. Conversely, there were runners for charity or for fun who wore heavy and cumbersome costumes. The writer of Hebrews urges the readers to want to be with the serious athletes in the race of faith and therefore to let go of anything that might hold them back.

The second feature of the race of faith is that the runner is not alone. In modern athletics, the competitors sometimes have a pacesetter, someone with whom they try to keep up in order to finish in the best time they can. In the analogy here, Jesus seems to serve as the pacesetter: his example of fidelity (even to the point of death) is one that all those participating should try to emulate and when things are challenging (as the Christian might face suffering for the faith) the answer is to keep one’s eyes on Jesus.

The third aspect is a word that is usually translated as ‘discipline’ but which also means ‘training’. Athletes have to be disciplined; they undertake strict training regimes and have regulated diets. In a similar way, the writer suggests, God trains and disciplines those who are part of the company of the faithful. The metaphor moves slightly: it is as a parent, rather than a coach, that God does this. Although it might not always be pleasant to be disciplined, a good parent exercises discipline for the child’s good. Without accepting discipline, the writer implies, we cannot become the Christians we are called to be.

To Ponder:

• Is the image of a race one that you find helpful? If not, is there another image that helps you to understand what ‘perseverance’ means?
• “Methodists have always spoken about discipleship as a method: a way of shaping everyday life so faith has room to grow.” (Plan your Journey - The Methodist Church) If you have not seen it, take a look at A Methodist Way of Life and explore the rhythm that it suggests.

Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Jonathan Hustler
Jonathan Hustler is a presbyter who currently serves as the Secretary of the Conference.