(The following questions have been developed as a way of answering some of the fundamental concerns of Law and Gospel preachers, especially concerns about the way the Word functions. To learn more about this unique genre of preaching, see my brief guide to Law and Gospel preaching, Afflicting the Comfortable, Comforting the Afflicted, available from wipfandstock. com or amazon.)
1. How does the Word function in the text? There is no doubt that this text has a gospel feel to it. It celebrates the faith of our spiritual ancestors who endured unspeakable suffering for the sake of the gospel and now are part of that "great cloud of witnesses" that cheer us on as we run the race that is set before us. Finally, entering chapter 12, we hear the gospel proclaimed loud and clear: "Jesus,... who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross."
2. How is the Word not functioning in the text? There is little word of Law in this text. A hint of our need for a Savior comes in 12:1 as we are exhorted to "lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely." The word translated "weight" is a rare word (ogkos) which can also be translated "impediment"; many translations go that way, translating this "hindrance" or "encumbrance." Certainly it is true that there are many hindrances that would cause us to slow or give up our journey of faith, and our sins are foremost amongst those. Yet, this text offers no word of judgement.
3. With whom are you identifying in the text? We are those whom the Word addresses here. We are running the race of faith, and it is we who need encouragement to look to Jesus, the founder and end goal of our faith. We also need to be reminded that there are many who have died in faith, who now give us inspiration to run our race well.
4. What, if any, call to obedience is there in this text? The exhortation in 12:1 is pure call to obedience: "Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us." The call to obedience is always the Word functioning to invite us to live in a certain way in response to God's work in Christ, and here that invitation has everything to do with God's faithfulness that creates faith in us.
5. What Law/Gospel couplet is suggested by this text? Since this is not a complete Law/Gospel text, we shall have to use some of the language in the text and then add to it to produce our couplets. Some suggestions: weighed down/liberated; sin clinging closely/Jesus clinging closely.
6. Exegetical work: As in the Hebrews 11 text appointed for Pentecost 9, it is important to note the way the term "faith" is used throughout this passage. That term is not to be understood here in the way that St. Paul most often uses the term, in relation to faith in Christ. Here the word is used much more in the manner of the OT, where the emphasis is not on what God has done, but what God will do. Kittel's extensive discussion of the term pistis makes this very clear. (Theological Dictionary of the NT, vol. VI, p. 205f) So we see in the examples of faith which the writer lifts up: the Israelites at the Red Sea must trust in what God will do; the armies of Israel who march around Jericho must trust in what God will do; Rahab, the prostitute who helps the spies of Israel must trust what God will do. As Tom Long says in his commentary, "Faith is a response to the trustworthiness of God." (Interpretation series, Hebrews, p. 113) Long goes on: "When we see the disciplined, loving, strong, merciful, and faithful way that Jesus ran the race, we are motivated to lace up our running shoes, to grasp the baton, and to sprint for the finish line." (Ibid., p. 129)
7. Consider the insights of the pioneers of the New Homiletic? Henry Mitchell, the dean of celebratory preaching, would have had a field day with this text. Just as Tom Long describes, this text is a sermon in itself, waiting to be preached. So preach it! Let the celebration of God's faithfulness, the witness of the great cloud of our forebearers,and the supreme example of Christ commence!
Blessings on your proclamation!
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