Run With Perseverance – August 17, 2022

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1,2

Run With Perseverance

The concept of a race is universal. Nearly all people have participated in some sort of race at one point in their lives. Races have a starting line, a finish line, and other people to race against. The person who crosses the finish line first wins.

Our Bible reading for today encourages followers of Jesus to run with perseverance. But he is not writing about a track event. He is writing about the race of life. And in this race, winners don’t have to finish first; they just need to finish. It is a life-long race, an ultra-marathon that takes perseverance and striving.

Crossing the finish line of this race means entering eternal glory. Runners win the prize of heaven and life forever with Jesus. This prize never perishes or tarnishes.

But how do you know if you’re running the right way? How do you know if you’re going to cross the finish line and win?

Listen to the coaching in our Bible reading. The key is to fix your eyes on Jesus. With love for you, Jesus ran his race straight to his cross. Along the way Jesus faced temptation and rejection. But he never stumbled over sin or let rejection get in his way. He just kept running. Though the cross would bring him immense pain and shame, he never faltered. As Jesus ran, the joy of you being with him in heaven kept him going. He ran the perfect race in your place. When it was over, he confidently said, “It is finished.”

So, keep looking at what Jesus has done for you. And keep looking to Jesus as you follow him all the way to the heaven he won for you.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, keep my eyes on you until I see you face to face in heaven. Amen.