(1Corinthians 9:24) “So run that you may obtain it.”
It is 5.38am Sunday the 1st of may 2011 as I sit with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cigar in the other, with my thoughts exploring many avenues all at the same time, as I try and bring them into some sort of rational. However, even though the activity between my ears is fast and furious, there is always a thought that calms the seas, I am thankful that the Lord Jesus has paid the price for my sin. As the wind blows from the east and we trim the sails a steady calm is now prominent as we find an assurance that is steadfast and sure and everything seems to fall back into place. Praise the glorious name of the One and Only, Jesus Christ the Lord, my Lord as His finished work reassure the weary traveller that the price has been paid and he needn’t any longer worry about the depletion of funds to cover the costs of his existing journey. No matter where you may be along the Celestial Road, you may just have begun or you may be nearing the end, nevertheless the wage has been settled. Accept it, believe it and then in faith plod on.
Along the way we will be presented with many tests, not a test of self sacrifice in that sense where we somehow achieve an objective and then therefore qualify as sons. This will happen; but it does not depend on own abilities; we are not saved because of what we do; we do what we do because we are save. You will never put a cart before the horse; in like manner we must always understand what it means to stand upon the Rock. As soon as we step off that Rock and look to pass the test, even if we somehow pass a particular test in our own strength, it will eventually amount to nothing. If I begin in the Spirit and then I try and find justification by my flesh, I have veered off course and will have to go back to the beginning and start again.
Let us liken our Christian walk to an obstacle course; the rules are simple; begin at the beginning, complete each and every obstruction without a mistake, but if a mistake is made; we then must go back to the start of that particular complication and do it over until we conquer; let’s say we have to walk across beam while negotiating our balance with the intention not to fall off and into the slurry below. If we fail we will now be full of mud (there will always be consequences to our sin) and then need to start the obstacle again, however, we are not disqualified even though our time has now been hindered.
The army taught us to work as a team, when we were given particular platoon challenges, it didn’t matter how fast an individual could complete the race, they clock stopped when the last person crossed the line. It was a lesson to look out for each other. We are our brother’s keepers, as Christians we must lock hands in unity and run this race, but we must also run in accordance with the race rules... “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” (1Corinthians 9:24)
Here are some of those rules required to qualify for the race:-
1. We must be enlisted soldiers; if you are not amongst that number then you may look for mobilization in and through the Lord Jesus only, you must be BORN AGAIN! If not then the rules of the race will be but Braille to you. You will see others competing, you may even through religion have a hard copy of the rules in your hand but never understand. – (John 3:3 & 3:5)
2.
We must compete in accordance with the Word of God and not spend time and effort looking for loopholes like the attorney at law. This will only hinder our progress. Here is a typical example of one of those lures; we must not begin correctly and then lose our way in thinking that we are able to stand on our own abilities. It is the Lord Jesus who saved us and it is His finished work that will get us home. Our sole dependency for the duration of the race hinges upon Him. – (Galatians 3:2-3 & Hebrews 6: 1-2)
3.
Regardless of how many attempts we make along the way, as we struggle with certain obstacle more than others, there is no time or attempt limit, and only death will end the race. In fact the weaker we are the more we will find dependency upon the Lord Jesus and rely upon each other to get us through. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory;” - (Matthew 12:20)
4. We must not forget that it is a team race and we must be added to a local assembly of believers (a church) so we can also help others in their struggle. “To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” - (Ephesians 4:12)
5. Lastly there are other rules and helps that will be explained along the way. But never forget we need one another! We must lock hands in the trenches and find solace and strength in and through none other than our glorious Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Signing off
Tyrone
No comments:
Post a Comment