Running the great race

As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses round us. Let us rid ourselves, then, of everything that gets in the way, and the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and is now seated at the right side of God’s throne.  (verses 1, 2)

Read Hebrews 12: 1-3

As I write, the world’s top athletes have entered the final stages of preparation for the Beijing Olympics. To succeed, they need years of training, costumes in light fabrics, and a single-minded focus on their event. On the day, crowds of spectators will cheer them on.

What a great picture of the Christian life! Like athletes, you and I need self-discipline. We need to shed the sin that clings to us and ‘keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith’. As we compete, we’re cheered on by Christians who’ve run before us. We put up with the pain because of the joy waiting for us.

Athletes preparing for the Olympics are smart enough to know they must put up with hardship, while Christians, with a much higher purpose in life, are often unwilling to submit to the trials that come their way. But think of the joy waiting for you! Focus on the goal: ‘God’s call through Christ Jesus to the life above’!

Holy Spirit, give us a sense of perspective, so that our hearts stay focused on the things of heaven and on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Amen.

by Greg Lockwood, in ‘Time Out a word from God’ (LCA, Openbook, 2008)

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