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WISDOM FOR LIFE’S RACE

Date: 
Monday, October 18, 2021
Bible Meditation: 
Hebrews 12: 1-13

“Let us RUN with endurance the RACE that is set before us” – Hebrews 12:1b

GOD never hoards vital WISDOM for LIFE’S RACE: Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us RUN with endurance the RACE that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb.12: 1-2a). This picture of an athlete running in a race is one of the most descriptive pictures of the Christian Life. We’re encouraged to lay aside whatever might hinder our spiritual advancement and focus on Christ.

The Christian life is compared to the discipline, effort, and exertion of a race. 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…” (1Cor.9: 24-27). Paul again testified: “…I PRESS on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, FORGETTING those things which are behind and REACHING FORWARD to those things which are ahead, I PRESS toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phi.3: 12-14).

Here are four Vital Instructions of Wisdom:

Find the Motivator to Run: Our cheerleaders – “cloud of witnesses” – include those who have run before us, as listed in the "Hall of Faith" (Heb.11). We are surrounded by the saints who have gone on before, who rally us on, encouraging us to keep going and run well. Paul said, Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern” (Phi.3:17). Others whom God has graciously placed in our lives to imitate are: parents, pastors, teachers, siblings, friends and mentors. Their godly pacesetting lives challenge and motivate us to run well.

Cast off Weights: Lighter means faster. Weight could refer to extra layers of clothes that slow us down or flowing robes that get in the way. Trying to run life’s race with sin clinging is like trying to run a marathon in a wedding gown while carrying a sack filled with bricks. The weight of Sin weakens and prevents one from serving Jesus productively. Levi the tax collector, whose vocation was rife with corruption, had to leave all to cling to the Lord (Lk.5:28). We cannot afford to be hindered in this crucial ace that has such eternal consequences. It’s a foolish thing to take sin lightly when it's the heaviest thing there is!

Run with Endurance: The Christian life is better compared to a gruelling marathon than a quick sprint or easy stroll. This lifelong race takes work, commitment, and fortitude. It demands preparation and practice; or else one will burn out in no time. Discipleship demands counting the cost of following Jesus (Lk.9: 57-58; 14: 25-33); and readiness to endure trials and to pay the price. We are told to “not think it strange” or "marvel" at the fiery race we must run (Col.1:11; 1Pet.4:12; 1Jh.3:13).

Keep Eyes on the Prize: We must keep our gaze fixed forward and upward, not backward on the things that we have left behind. They are in the dirt and dust, while we’re headed for glory (Col.3: 1-3). Running a race well can never entail looking back: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk.9:62). Looking back reveals hearts and desires that still belong with the world and its lusts, rather than with the world to come – like Lot’s wife (Lk.17:32).

Let’s run Life’s Race, keeping our minds and hearts fixated on Christ – Who is already there. Christ is the Path and the Prize! He has run the Race and come in first. He sits victorious in Heaven, waiting to share the Victory with us. He holds the prize at the finish line – and He is the Prize. By His Grace and Wisdom, we can run well, finish well, finish strong, and Win Him – our Eternal Prize!

Adetokunbo O. Ilesanmi (Meditations)

Prayer: 
Lord, grant us WISDOM for LIFE’S RACE; to run well, finish well, finish strong, and Win You – our Eternal Prize, in Jesus name.
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