Daily Devotions
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1
The Bible compares day-by-day living of the Christian faith to an endurance race. The apostle Paul writes: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24). Elsewhere in the New Testament we read: “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
There is a right and a wrong way to run the religious race. The right way includes that we prepare for it, be aware of the obstacles and overcome them, and run with persistence to the finish line. The wrong way is to make a good start but then drop out. Also, it doesn’t help if one gets into the wrong lane – one in which one’s spiritual life is foolishly endangered by spills and thrills.
In the world of sports there are races like that – perilous, purposeless, dangerously opportunistic. There are contests such as the running of the bulls in Pomplona, Spain. Men and boys run with the bulls through the streets. Many get hurt. The occasion for this mayhem, San Fermin’s festival, began in 1591. Since then 52 men have been gored to death.
In the race of Christian faith and life it is to no purpose – it is hazardous, in fact – to expose oneself foolishly to Satan and the temptations of a sinful world. It is asking for trouble.
But it is asking for and receiving divine assistance when we look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith. In our behalf He finished His course all the way to Calvary’s cross. When we believe in Him as Savior and ask His help, we will receive strength to stay in the race until its victorious conclusion.
PRAYER: Lord God, strengthen me through Your Word so that I may complete the race of faith in Jesus, my Savior. Amen.
(Devotions from “With Jesus Every Day” copyright 1997, CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time emailing of this link to a friend. For information on other devotional material, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit CPH at www.cph.org.)