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The Greatest Race
M
by Dr. Alan Hix
arch 5th will mark the start of the 50th
humanity. His perseverance in his race through all these
anniversary running of the Iditarod Sled Dog
struggles resulted in their salvation and his glorification. The
Race in Alaska. The race itself commemorates the
author challenged them to show that same kind of
brave men and dogs who endured a grueling 674 miles in
endurance and, as an added encouragement, pictured the
the dead of winter to get life-giving serum to Nome during a
saints of old as cheering them on from the sidelines.
deadly outbreak of diphtheria in 1925. Without their heroic efforts, many people would have died. The modern Iditarod
Human life is marked by struggle. It might be our health, our work, issues with our family, or possibly our
not only memorializes that achievement, it also highlights the unique place mushers and their dog teams have in the fabric of Alaskan history and culture. Until the start of the pandemic, I had the privilege for twelve years of taking Shorter University students to participate in the start of what has been dubbed “The Last Great Race on Earth.” While the continuing pandemic prevents me from participating in the 50th anniversary event, I have found solace in the memories of past races. This musing over the Last Great Race has reminded me of a greater race found in Hebrews 12:1-3: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so
own sense of self-worth. We may feel like we are stumbling
closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set
along, running the race by ourselves. We may have even lost
before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our
sight of what the finish line looks like. In this passage, the
faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the
author reminds us to keep our focus on Jesus. He ran his
cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of
race successfully in spite of all the obstacles and hostility he
the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners
faced. In addition to his guiding presence, we have a family
such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow
of faith that stands with us, so we are never alone. As the
weary or fainthearted.”
perseverance of the mushers brought life-giving serum to
The readers of the book of Hebrews were Christians in Rome who were beginning to suffer under Nero’s
dying people, so Christ’s perseverance brings us life and all that we need to overcome the struggles in our own race.
persecution for their belief in Jesus. Life had become precarious for them. As a result, some of them had begun to race to encourage his audience. He reminds them that Jesus willingly endured hostility, shame, and death on behalf of
34 // March 2022
About The Author
waver in their walk of faith. The author uses the picture of a
Dr. Alan Hix is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.
