Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12: 1-13Focus Verse: Hebrews 12: 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.”
The winter Olympic games are being held in South Korea this month. We are watching on TV as the athletes from many different countries are competing against each other. We are watching them as they race on the ice and snow. These athletes train for many years so their bodies will be ready to compete in these races.
The Bible also has a lot to say about races. It describes the life that we live as a race, and that we all should desire to win this race. Our focus verse says we should strip off every weight that can slow us down. I did not see any Olympic athletes that were wearing backpacks while they were racing. In fact the athletes even wear special suits so even the air does not slow them down. The writer of Hebrews says we should get rid of anything that can slow us down, especially sin. So many of us as we get ready for the race of life, the first thing we do is strap on a backpack full of sin. There is no way we can win the race with all that unnecessary weight. 1 Corinthians 9:24 says, “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” Everyone of us has the opportunity to win at this race called life. But you need to be willing to do the training, and also be willing to strip off all the extra weight that could keep you from winning. Jesus can help you do this. Each of us right now are probably thinking of a weight or burden that is on our back that we need to get rid of. Just as those Olympic athletes are working so hard to win that gold metal, we should be striving for the reward that Jesus has reserved for us when we reach heaven. So run your race with endurance. Jesus will help you.
Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries
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