Victory

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, – Hebrews 12:1 ESV

Greek
εὐπερίστατον/euperistaton: encircles to distract

Why It Matters
There’s a phenomenon that has been observed by professional psychologists, law enforcement, and unsuspecting pedestrians alike. It’s called target fixation – the process in which the brain is so focused on an object to avoid that it will cause the body to casually veer toward that very object. Police dash cameras frequently reveal this. Car doors, parked motorcycles, and even people get clipped by motorists who want to avoid them simply because their gaze is fixed on the hazard. Whether it’s behind the wheel or in our spiritual lives, we’ll naturally and subtly veer toward whatever we are focused on.
As the writer of Hebrews transitions from the celebration of faith to its implications in our lives, the reminder is given to lay aside sin, because it euperistaton (encircles closely to distract). In the metaphor of running a race, this distraction takes your eyes off of the mile marker or finish line you should have in view. And therein lies one of the many dangers of sin: once our eyes catch a glimpse of something distracting, we can experience target fixation and veer toward it whether we sense it or not. Sometimes we are tempted to declare that sin is “no big deal” or that we can handle it on our own. But by the time we realize we’re distracted to the point of danger, it’s already too late! Thankfully, faith provides the focus for us on the one who has overcome the sin that euperistaton. He is both our strength for the race and the prize waiting for us at the finish line.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, it’s your grace that has brought me safe thus far, and it’s your grace that will lead me home. I want to focus my attention, my gaze, and my life on you. Please remind me of what can be accomplished when I lean into the power of the gospel.

Application
When will I process how the Gospel informs my current situation?