Protuberance

Heb. 12:1-2

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

The word “weight” means:

1. whatever is prominent, protuberance, bulk, mass
   • hence a burden, weight, encumbrance

What would be considered weight? I get the impression It is something that was not intended to be there at all. A protuberance on a car tire indicates a faulty tire. A protuberance or tumor in the brain or heart is not good. In either case, the tire or human body is not fully functioning according to the purpose of its Designer.

In verse 1, “running the course of the race with endurance” is not a totally accurate translation of the word ‘endurance.’ “Running the course of the race abiding under” is a more accurate translation. So, abiding under what? Under grace. Abiding in a constant expectation of the hope of righteousness in us, Gal. 5:5. Abiding under grace would remove the unnatural bulk, mass, or burden enabling more endurance. This increase in endurance is to overflowing. It is inexhaustible because it is His endurance and grace.

Also in verse 1, sin “easily” or skilfully surrounds and besets someone if they are under the law because the law empowers sin, 1 Cor. 15:55-56, Rom. 7:11. If you are not under the law, but under a New Covenant, with the Most High Priest, under grace, then the judgment, penalty, and guilt of the law is not reckoned, accounted for,  or  charged to one’s account ever in Christ.

These verses remind me of Usain Bolt, current world record holder in the 100m and 200m, or any athlete, with their eyes set on the goal. The athlete will remove any protuberance from their training regimen and keep their focus. I see the athlete or sprinter being ensnared by a rope net and breaking out of it running with heavy iron shackles that fall off as well. Then he finds his pace and runs, but is not weary, Isa. 40:31.

He is not weary because he is not under judgment, but made righteous by Christ. His is not weary because he does not have to prove anything, but runs with purpose effortlessly with all confidence and assurance.