Monday, August 22, 2016
Hebrews 12:1-2 ...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...
THE RACE OF FAITH: CALLS FOR ENDURANCE
The word "race" in the original Greek language is the word from which we get our English word "agony." Indeed, the Christian race of faith has never been easy; it's more like a 26-mile marathon than a 100-meter sprint.
During the Olympics, camera close-ups often reveal "agonizing" expressions as the competitors press on, striving for victory. So it goes for the faithful Christian who lives for God in an evil, fallen world. Endurance is called for. An aimless stroll or listless jog won't cut it. In an earlier chapter the writer to the Hebrews puts it like this: "For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise..." (Hebrews 10:36).
It's ever true as Paul and Barnabas told their Christian converts: "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). Likewise, Paul wrote to the Corinthians (who understood what the Olympics, which originated in Greece, were all about): "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it" (1 Corinthians 9:24).
Fellow Christian marathoners, the promised crown awaits. Let us pray to endure, hurdling every obstacle on life's track by keeping eyes of faith focused on Jesus, the "author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame..."--all to win for us that crown!
Run the straight race through God's good grace;
Lift up your eyes, and seek His face.
Life with its way before us lies;
Christ is the path, and Christ the prize.
Cast care aside, lean on Your guide;
His boundless mercy will provide.
Trust, and enduring faith shall prove
Christ is your life and Christ your love.
(Lutheran Service Book, 664:2-3)
