“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” (Hebrews 11:3 NKJV)
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:1-5 NKJV)
As I run my “life-race” it is critical that I begin with the end in mind. That end, is to be conformed to the image of Christ. The race is all about Jesus. He is the “author” (the beginning) and the “finisher” (the end). I can’t even enter into the race without Him. And I certainly won’t win if I neglect His witness and try to run on my own.
I learned from Hebrews 11:3, as defined by John 1:1-5, that Jesus (the Word of God) created the race. He knows every turn, every obstacle, and has run every inch of the course. As it’s designer, He’s the only one who has run it perfectly. No wonder the writer of Hebrews starts and finishes this discourse with the testimony of Jesus.
Before I am able to accurately and honestly learn from the testimonies of the other witnesses, I must give time to consider Jesus. The degree to which I succeed in running my race will be directly related to how well I understand how Jesus ran His. All other testimonies must be understood by way of Jesus. If my understanding of anyone else’s testimony doesn’t line up with Jesus then I am not hearing it correctly.
Jesus gave His life for me. He suffered in every way imaginable so that I could win my race. All through His race He looked past the suffering, and kept His focus on the finish line. He knew exactly why He was running and didn’t let anyone, or anything, get Him off course or slow Him down. He will help me do the same.
I recommend that we spend some quality time examining the life, words, and ministry of Jesus before going one step further in the race. Even if I had a bad start, I can still win the race!
Race Tips From Jesus:
- Know the Course
- Start with the end in mind
- Keep your focus on the finish line
- Run through, not just to, the finish line
Let’s prepare to win by considering…
… Eric’s Life Lesson # 176: “I will run a victorious “life-race” if I will learn the “life-lessons” of those witnesses who gave testimony of how to win the race.” Part 2: Jesus