Running the Race

In Hebrews 12:1 the Bible tells us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Because of these witnesses, we must throw off everything that hinders us, especially the sin that easily entangles us. The Bible also tells us to run the race that is before us, with perseverance, and fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

There is a race that God has put before each and every one of us. Some of us are the 1st to be saved in our families, and are called to bring light in to our families. When we bring that light in our families, we set the pace for the race of salvation. When the pace is set, we must proceed to run the race. This is why Paul says in 2 Timothy 4:7 “ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith”

In a race, we often find the forerunner, loses strength and fade into the middle of the pack. This is why im saying, in running a race there is a tragedy of a brilliant beginner, who starts well but does not finish the race. There is a tragedy of a forerunner that quits due to injury, exhaustion or loosing strength. It is important to start a race well, but it is crucial to finish.

The book of 1 Samuel, is book that contains perfect examples of great beginnings and tragic endings. It tells us about Eli, the priest, who had a close relationship with God, who started out as a great leader, and groomed Samuel, one of Israel’s greatest prophets. But his life ended in tragedy and public shame. Eli failed to provide leadership and discipline to his house hold, and his sons ended up sinning against the Lord.

We also read about Samuel, who was one of the greatest prophets to have ever lived in Israel. He was dedicated to God’s service by his mother, Hannah. He was the one who anointed Israel’s 1st king, David. But just like Eli the Priest, the life of Samuel the prophet ended in tragedy as well, as his sons disgraced him by taking bribes and sinning before God.

Then there was Saul, the king, a man of great stature and a striking figure. A handsome and humble man, God’s 1st choice of Israel’s kingship. His reign started with great leadership and conquest of many battles. But his life ended with a tragedy as he became jealous and paranoid. This caused God to take away the kingship from him.

The we read about David, a man who loved God greatly, and followed after God’s heart. I’m talking about great beginnings and tragic endings. These we find in the book of 1 Samuel. The beginnings of David are also found in the book of 1 Samuel, but to find out how David ended, we have to read the 2nd book of Samuel. For today, we only focus on 1 Samuel.

So brethren, I want to encourage you, whatever race you are running, just make sure that it does not have a tragic ending. Remember that we have a great cloud of witnesses cheering us up. So run to finish your race well.

To God be all the Glory.