All right: You are running--you're nearing the end of a footrace where the winner gets a years supply of movie tickets and unlimited buttered popcorn refills for each movie. Oh, and the winner also gets a soda. You are close to winning, but, OH, someone throws a heavy jacket on you at the last second and then trips you with a broom handle. Bummer. No movie tickets for you.
The writer of Hebrews compares the Christian life to a race:
Hebrews 12:1-6 (New Living Translation)
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,
“My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline,
and don’t give up when he corrects you.
6 For the LORD disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”
So run! Run to win! Make Jesus your focus and you will endure!
411God.net
g-ram
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