April 10, 2020
John C. Kwasny
1 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, 2 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. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
One of the more influential Christian authors in my high school and college days was a pastor named Tony Campolo. Some of you probably haven’t heard of him. For those who have, please don’t be concerned about my spiritual discernment--this was in the days before he became an ultra-liberal evangelical socialist (and I was young and foolish). His early books were engaging, hilarious, and always convicted me to live out my Christian life in this world, in ways that really made a difference. One such book had the great title: It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Comin’. It came from a sermon delivered by a southern African-American preacher—a phrase that acted like a refrain after each of his points. He must have repeated, “It’s Fri-i-day…but Sunday’s Comin’” hundreds of times in his sermon. And yes, you guessed it: It was his Good Friday message!
I love the way Hebrews 12:1-2 gives us a vivid image of how to live from a “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s comin’ mentality. The writer paints a picture of a race, like one that is run in an Olympic stadium (yes, I too grieve the loss of that event this year). You, Christian, are the athlete running the race of life. God has set your race before you. In the stands are all those who have already finished their race. But, where are you to look? At the “great cloud of witnesses”? No. At the other runners? No. At the circumstances around you? No. Only to Jesus, described here as both the “founder” and the “perfecter” of our faith. There He is, sitting at the right hand of God! He endured the cross on Friday, rose again on Sunday, and is now in Session with the Father until He returns for us one day. On our risen Lord is where our eyes should always stay!
But don’t miss the important charge given to us as we run this race of the Christian life: “Lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely.” These have always been extremely convicting words to me. I am often weighted down with the cares of this world. I have sin which still clings way too closely to my heart. How about you? And, what do these things do to us? Just slow us down. Impede us from running in a way that loves God and other people. Keep us from being the godly men and women, boys and girls, that God has called us to be. In the end, they distract us from looking up to Jesus, living in the joy that comes from His embracing of the cross. So, go ahead and lay aside every weight and sin that is holding you up today.
On this strangest of Good Fridays you may have ever experienced, remember that Sunday is still comin’. The darkness that was dispelled on Friday burst forth into glorious light on Sunday! Whether or not we EVER emerge out of our social isolation again, resurrection is coming because Jesus is alive. Jesus, our resurrection firstfruits, conquered death and sin and coronavirus for us, guaranteeing our everlasting “resurrection Sunday.” It’s Friday, but Sunday’s comin’!