Running the Race

Short Talk (SHT040) Running the race © Jane Hulme 2015 Aim of Short talk: Main themes: Biblical references: Props: Before the Service: (SHT040) To show people how to keep going in the Christian life. Perseverance Hebrews 12:1-3 Two different coats, a large rope, cushion, finishing line 1) Prepare a volunteer to be ready to take part (either a child or a teenager). Have two coats ready for them to put on, one coat that is a bit too big with a label that says, “What other people think” on it and another coat with a label that says, “Money and things” that is much too big. Piece of paper with forgiveness prayer on, a medium sized cross. SHORT TALK: “RUNNING THE RACE” 2) You might like to invite someone to read the Bible verses out ........................................................................................................................ Sometimes it is easy to follow Jesus isn’t it?  We feel his loving presence very close to us,  and we enjoy walking with him,  doing the things He asks us to do. Other times it can be really hard to follow Jesus can’t it?  We can even feel like giving up because it is so hard to keep going.  This morning I want to give you some encouragement from the book of Hebrews. Could my volunteer come forward please? (Volunteer comes and stands next to you. You put on them the two different coats, wrap a large rope around their legs and give them a cushion to hold)  I want you to imagine N is an ordinary Christian.  They are following Jesus but finding it pretty hard at the moment as you can imagine. (N shuffles forward a little way with their head down and then stops)  Let’s hear what the book of Hebrews would say to N to encourage them to keep going. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders.....” (Hebrews 12:1)  OK.....so the first thing that Hebrews tells N to do is to throw off everything that hinders them or stops them.  So let’s see what is written on this coat.....it says “Money and things”. I think that worrying about money and wanting more and more things is stopping N from walking with Jesus,  so they need to throw that coat off. (N throws off coat)  That’s better.....but there is another coat that is stopping them from walking with Jesus.  This coat says, “What other people think” I think that worrying about what other people think is stopping N from walking with Jesus,  so they need to throw that coat off too. (N throws off coat)  That’s better.... (N shuffles forward a couple more steps then stops, still with their head down) © Jane Hulme 2015 2 Let’s hear what else the book of Hebrews says:  “Let us throw off the sin that so easily entangles” (Hebrews 12:1) Can you see the rope of sin that is wrapped around N’s legs?  N needs to get rid of that.....  The only way that they will get rid of that is by coming to Jesus and asking him to forgive and cleanse them.  So N would you like to get rid of your sin? (N nods. Hand N the following prayer which they pray) o Lord Jesus I am sorry for all the wrong things I have done. o I want to live differently. o Please forgive me and set me free from my sin. Amen. (When N has prayed, take away the rope that is wrapped around their legs. N takes a few strides then stops) Look at that.  N is finding it easier to walk with Jesus without that rope of sin around them.  But hang on a moment they have stopped walking.  Let’s hear what else the book of Hebrews says: “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith......” (Hebrews 12:1-2a)  N needs to fix his/her eyes on Jesus so that they can keep going,  So let’s all shout, “Look up”......  After 3: 1,2,3..... “Look up” (N looks up & walks forward faster, then they stop to sit down on the cushion) Oh dear.....N is sitting on a nice cushion, looking for an easy life....  Let’s hear what else the book of Hebrews says: “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)  Would someone like to go and take that cushion off N and give them this cross to carry instead? (Someone goes and takes cushion off N and gives them a cross. N stands up and begins walking again with their head up and carrying their cross) You see Jesus didn’t promise us a comfortable and easy life if we follow Him.  He has called us to carry our cross.....which means that sometimes we will suffer for being His followers. Look at N. S/he is following Jesus now, but she/he does look miserable doesn’t s/he?  I wonder if the book of Hebrews has one last thing to say to them to encourage them. “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3)  N needs to remember what Jesus went through for them, so that they don’t get too down in the dumps..... Let’s all shout, “Jesus died for you because He loves you”  After 3: 1,2,3..... “Jesus died for you because He loves you” (N starts singing and walking fast to the end of where they are to go)  Thank you N for doing all of that so well. © Jane Hulme 2015 3 So this morning if you are finding it hard to follow Jesus:  Get rid of everything that might be hindering you. (Wave around one of the coats that N wore)  Ask Jesus to forgive you all the sin in your life. (Wave around the rope)  Fix your eyes on Jesus so that you can keep going.  Be willing to carry your cross and (Wave around the cross)  Keep remembering what Jesus has done for you because He loves you. © Jane Hulme 2015 4