December 17, 2013
I've never run in a marathon, but I've been a dedicated jogger much of my life. Living in Michigan several years ago, there was a "country square" I used to run regularly - four half-mile sections of gravel road. Back then, I weighed about 155 pounds, and was fairly light on my feet. Now, about twenty-five pounds heavier, three miles on a treadmill - alternating between brisk walking and jogging - is a bit more challenging.
"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2)
The scene portrayed here is that of an outdoor stadium, with running track and grandstand seats. You are running a race with other runners, and a huge crowd is enthusiastically cheering. Earlier, you had a warm-up suit on, but now you're running the race with light-weight running clothes and shoes.
Standing at the finish line is a legendary runner - someone unsurpassed in both speed and excellence. His presence alone compels you to run your absolute best; fully committed to run in such a way as to emulate his example as best as you can.
The enthusiastic crowd in the stadium is figurative - comprised of all the people throughout the ages who have lived and run by faith, as recorded in Hebrews eleven. Although long dead and asleep in their graves, their example still speaks as though they were in the stands. And, the legendary veteran standing at the finish line is Jesus, urging us on in the race by his example.
The challenge before us is to run "with endurance". Anyone can sprint with a short burst of speed, but the race is not won by the fastest runner out of the block. This race is a marathon, so it's more about endurance than speed. It's persistence that counts. And, there are obstacles along the way - sin that can entangle our feet like loose twine. As we run, we deliberately "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us".
Whether a rookie or seasoned veteran, you and I are today running a marathon that requires vigilance and endurance. Along the way, we need the encouragement of others, because sometimes the race is so hard we're strongly tempted to quit altogether. Shout out a word of encouragement to your fellow runners today, and remember both the figurative "cloud of witnesses", and the "author and perfecter of faith" whom we must never lose sight of.
Running the race with endurance with you,
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2)
The scene portrayed here is that of an outdoor stadium, with running track and grandstand seats. You are running a race with other runners, and a huge crowd is enthusiastically cheering. Earlier, you had a warm-up suit on, but now you're running the race with light-weight running clothes and shoes.
Standing at the finish line is a legendary runner - someone unsurpassed in both speed and excellence. His presence alone compels you to run your absolute best; fully committed to run in such a way as to emulate his example as best as you can.
The enthusiastic crowd in the stadium is figurative - comprised of all the people throughout the ages who have lived and run by faith, as recorded in Hebrews eleven. Although long dead and asleep in their graves, their example still speaks as though they were in the stands. And, the legendary veteran standing at the finish line is Jesus, urging us on in the race by his example.
The challenge before us is to run "with endurance". Anyone can sprint with a short burst of speed, but the race is not won by the fastest runner out of the block. This race is a marathon, so it's more about endurance than speed. It's persistence that counts. And, there are obstacles along the way - sin that can entangle our feet like loose twine. As we run, we deliberately "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us".
Whether a rookie or seasoned veteran, you and I are today running a marathon that requires vigilance and endurance. Along the way, we need the encouragement of others, because sometimes the race is so hard we're strongly tempted to quit altogether. Shout out a word of encouragement to your fellow runners today, and remember both the figurative "cloud of witnesses", and the "author and perfecter of faith" whom we must never lose sight of.
Running the race with endurance with you,
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook devotional - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
posted by steve @ 8:27 AM
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