Today’s Reading: Hebrews 12:1-11
Today’s Verse: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV
Life is like a race. This applies to both personal and spiritual aspects.
We will endure obstacles, problems and trials. But we cannot stop. We have to keep running. We want to make it to the finish line.
That is where knowing what the Bible says about “running for Jesus” is the best form of encouragement.
Believers should “run with patience the race that is set before (them).” We are to fix our eyes on Jesus. He is “the author and finisher of our faith.” He endured the cross for the joy set before Him. He paved the way. He became the best example of faith. The best example of enduring hardship.
The ability to endure is ours. We have to shed the things that hinder us. We have to shed the things that cause us to sin. We have to keep going despite our difficulties or the delays that try to keep us from achieving success.
We can always do it, when we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. He is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. The One who now sits at God’s throne.
First Corinthians 9:24-27 KJV talks about training for a crown that lasts forever. We should live with purpose and discipline. We should approach life with intention and discipline. This passage encourages us to pursue our spiritual journey with the same commitment that athletes devote to their physical pursuits. Salvation is by grace, but living a disciplined Christian life is necessary to gain eternal rewards, which can be lost if one loses focus or falls away.
Philippians 3:14 KJV speaks about our pressing toward the upward call in Christ. This is a lifelong journey of spiritual growth. We move past former habits and pursue spiritual growth, aiming for eternal life with God.
The Bible is full of faithful individuals that have already run the race. They are an encouragement to all of us. Teaching us to get rid of the things that hinder us.
We want to say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV).
Look to Jesus. He is the source and goal of our faith. He will always help us run and finish the race that the Father has set for us.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, this is a powerful message. The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. We need to keep trying. Please continue to strengthen us to run the race that You have marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus. We know He is the One who will guide us. Helping us to endure and overcome as He did. The more we follow His lead we will receive our crown of righteousness in the end. Thank You for being there for us.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen