Start Running – Never Quit!

There are battles we face that are played out in front of scoffers and mockers who find a sick satisfaction in our apparent losses. Many of our victories will never be recognised on earth. But rest assured, there is a crowd of witnesses cheering us on, confident that we will cross the finish line as victors.

Hebrews 12: 1-2 (TPT) – “As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So, we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us. We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!”

As Jesus entered Jerusalem on what we traditionally call Palm Sunday, He well knew what He was about to face. His entourage discouraged him from going anywhere near that city. They had heard the reports of death threats against their master. Even though he meant well, Peter’s cautious advice was met by a sharp rebuke from Jesus. (Matthew 16:23) Perhaps that rebuke stopped the other disciples from offering their own opinions. However, I think an informal poll taken amongst them would have shown they all felt Jesus should at least keep a low profile in Jerusalem. But Jesus determined to stay obedient to His Father’s calling no matter what the cost.

Jesus entered the city in broad daylight. He did not need to hide from the enemy; Jesus knew his enemy knew his every move. There were spies everywhere, but the plans of His Father were already in motion. Everything Jesus endured up to this point was the training field for the race He was about to run.

It’s ironic that an adoring and jubilant crowd greeted Him as a victor on Palm Sunday. Why ironic, you might ask? Well, the real battle had not yet begun. When that battle was over, sin would be nailed on the cross, the price would be paid, and Christ’s glorious resurrection would defeat death. And yet, there would be no parades cheering for the eternal victor on Easter morning. There would be no throngs of adoring fans waiting in joyful anticipation of His triumphant exit from the tomb.

All heaven shouted His glorious victory; all hell wailed at its defeat. And only a few humble souls witnessed Christ’s triumph as dawn broke on that quiet morn.

There are battles we face that are played out in front of scoffers and mockers who find a sick satisfaction in our apparent losses. Many of our victories will never be recognised on earth. But rest assured, there is a crowd of witnesses cheering us on, confident we will cross the finish line as victors.


Personal Application

Hebrews 12:2a TPT -” We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection.”

So many of the struggles we endure are ones that no one else will see. The same goes for our victories. It would be easy to become disheartened, if not for the encouragement of the eternal victor who not only runs beside us but waits for us with open arms at the finishing line. Don’t allow the enemy to tempt you to give up and abandon your race! When things get tough, your eyes focused on Jesus. You’ll see him gazing right back at you with eyes full of pride. “Atta boy! You got this!”

Hebrews 11:15-16 TPT – “For clearly, those who live this way are longing for the appearing of a heavenly city. And if their hearts were still remembering what they left behind, they would have found an opportunity to go back. But they couldn’t turn back for their hearts were fixed on what was far greater, that is, the heavenly realm! So because of this God is not ashamed in any way to be called their God, for he has prepared a heavenly city for them.”

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All Bible verses attributed to the ESV version unless otherwise indicated.

Until Next Week,

©2019 Katherine Walden

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