The Marathon!
The author of Hebrews describes the journey as a Christian a race. In those days a race usually meant an endurance event such as a marathon. If you have ever run a marathon, you know it is a long race and you need to train for the long haul. You need a variety of things to be able to persevere and finish. Of course you need to train. Without training there is little chance the average runner will finish. You need to prepare by keeping you body healthy to prevent injuries along the way. You need hydration or you will usually have to stop, as it can be deadly. And finally you need an encourager, or at least fans along the way. Finally, you need to keep your eye on the finish line.
As we look at the race for the Christian there are many analogies. We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses that have gone before us. They encourage us to finish well. We need to throw of sinful habits that slow us down and keeping us from finishing well. We need to focus on the finish line where our coach Jesus will say, "Well done good and faithful servant!" Now is laid up for you a crown in heaven that will never fade away. Finally we have Jesus, who has shown us the way and gone on before us. As we keep our eyes on him he will give us what we need to finish.
Where are you at in the race? Just getting started? In training? Maybe you are discouraged and want to quit? Maybe you are in need of a good coach or encourager? Maybe you have taken you eyes off Jesus and need to re-focus your life around him. Maybe you are close to the finish line and want to finish well. Whatever your situation, we know the Christian life is more of a marathon than a sprint. Fortunately we are given a promise in Philippians 1:6, "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it!" See you out on the course!
Hebrews 12:1-3
12 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, 2 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. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
As we look at the race for the Christian there are many analogies. We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses that have gone before us. They encourage us to finish well. We need to throw of sinful habits that slow us down and keeping us from finishing well. We need to focus on the finish line where our coach Jesus will say, "Well done good and faithful servant!" Now is laid up for you a crown in heaven that will never fade away. Finally we have Jesus, who has shown us the way and gone on before us. As we keep our eyes on him he will give us what we need to finish.
Where are you at in the race? Just getting started? In training? Maybe you are discouraged and want to quit? Maybe you are in need of a good coach or encourager? Maybe you have taken you eyes off Jesus and need to re-focus your life around him. Maybe you are close to the finish line and want to finish well. Whatever your situation, we know the Christian life is more of a marathon than a sprint. Fortunately we are given a promise in Philippians 1:6, "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it!" See you out on the course!
Hebrews 12:1-3
12 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, 2 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. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
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