FIVE 

 

R U N N I N G

 

 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,   Hebrews 12:1

Have you ever watched a marathon where they run through city streets? Throughout the course they have stations set up so when the runners pass by they grab a cup of water and gulp it down as they run; then throw the cup down to the ground as they press on.

What if, on mile 17 of 26.22, a racer observes just ahead a unique style “water station?” At this station he might stop for a hot dog and beer? Or what if he could stop to check his e-mail?

Or what if he might stop at a station where there was an awesome disco with bright lights and loud music? 

You can be absolutely and positively certain that any such distractions would cause the runner to absolutely and positively –

LOSE THE RACE!! 

Because, while he takes his little break, other runners are passing him by and pressing on to the finish line! Even the least gifted runners have better sense.

I have seen amateur runners on T.V. so determined to finish, that even though exhausted, will crawl on hands and knees over the finish line for nothing else than to win a personal victory!

The Bible teaches that Christians are in a marathon race, not a sprint. Notice the word “patience” in the text? The Greek word defines it as “endurance,” which is essential for the long haul. It instructs us to run our race with endurance and determination. Your race begins the day you were born again and stretches out until you see Jesus face-to-face.

The English dictionary defines patience as:

The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. (I would add frustration.)

Also, the race that the writer to the Hebrews (Paul?) is referring to is actually a marathon. History teaches that the ancient world had Olympic games, and this was one of the most notable events for that time.

We are all in a marathon, as the Bible teaches, but we do not compete against others. You are not competing with your Christian neighbor, nor attempting to defeat your friends.

We are to encourage each other to keep pace and help them finish their course. 

Every marathon runner must be in shape and conditioned to complete 26.22 miles.  How you train and what you eat are crucial factors while preparing for the race. There should not be late night partying and carousing, no eating burgers and greasy fries, no booze, or illicit drugs. It is that practical.  

A Godly Race

While running a Godly race, worldly allurements and distractions must not weaken or sidetrack us, we must keep our eyes on the prize.

The Apostle Paul uses athletic metaphors quite often in his writings. He viewed himself as one who was always running a race determined to reach the finish line. And he did finish his course.

 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.   And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

The corruptible crown Paul mentions here was the prize for winning an Olympic event in his day. This crown was extremely valuable. Though they made it of material that would soon wilt and crumble, to the recipient it was an all-important treasure.

In certain cases, depending on the country and venue, the crown meant freedom.

Sometimes, if a slave won his race, they set him free and awarded him citizenship. In other cases, they might give him a free house or an exemption from paying taxes.

In today’s Olympic games, a runner might win a gold medal. The actual weight of the gold may only be worth a few thousand dollars. But the achievement of winning a gold medal will be worth millions of dollars in endorsements.

Our crowns are also valuable. We have an incorruptible, eternal crown as citizens of heaven, and we will rule with Christ for eternity.

Here are a few more examples of Paul referring to his ministry as a marathon. He considered even his visit to the council at Jerusalem or Philippi as stages of his race:

And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.      Galatians 2:2

 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Philippians 2:16

 Paul not only uses running as a metaphor but also boxing.

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:       1 Corinthians 9:26

 To “beat the air” is a reference to shadow boxing. It is an exercise that boxers used to visualize an up-coming match. Paul is saying that he wasn’t mentally visualizing spiritual warfare, but he was in the actual fight, a realistic boxing match with a formidable foe, that he must defeat.

At the end of his natural life, the Apostle Paul is still using athletic metaphors. He declares to Timothy,

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:      2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought a good fight, (boxing)

I have finished my course, (marathon)

I have kept the faith, (faithfulness and loyalty, watching with sobriety)

It is notable that Paul continuously referred to his ministry as a race, a fight, or a battle, using the armor of soldiers as examples of our warfare with principalities and wicked rulers in this world. Things have changed very little since then. We have the same enemy—the reason we need to put on the full armor of God, stand our ground, and win. 

This race we are in is not a picnic. Serious business, this! The Christian life is a marathon, and we must run tirelessly to reach heaven’s finish line.

So, as we sit with him because our salvation is complete,

And as we walk with him on a day-to-day basis, being led of the Spirit, we are growing, maturing, overcoming sin.

And as we stand against the deceit and chicanery of the devil,

and stand against false teachers and doctrine of immorality,

as we run our race with full-on determination to cross the finish line victorious and leave this fallen world behind,

Let us take our stand! Let us stand before the judgment seat of Christ with great anticipation.

This is our finish line. We have arrived just as God planned it. Where we belong.

And may He crown you in victory as he changes your body into a glorified, light bearing body.

And He deems your service a sweet aroma of love.

And as he crowns you Victorious, let your ears hear the sweetest words that any human being could hear…FROM HIS LIPS TO YOUR EARS… 

 “WELL DONE

YOU

GOOD AND

FAITHFUL SERVANT

ENTER THE JOY OF YOUR LORD “