Dear Ones:
There were a lot of people who “ran” in the Bible. Of course, the reasons for which they ran were different at times. For example, when Abraham perceived the arrival of three men, two of which were angels, and the third, the Lord, he ran to meet them, and to bow down. When the servant of Abraham went to seek a bride for his son Isaac, and this in an unfamiliar land, he ran to meet Rebecca, as he discerned that she might very well be the Lord’s choice. We then see Rebecca running to draw water for the camels of the servant. What an expression of a servant’s heart!! In the book of Zechariah, we find that one angel was speaking to another: “Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls…” (2:4) There is urgency in the message, as it speaks of great blessing. In the new testament, we see the Apostle Paul “running a race.” We see the believers called to “run the race set before us.” (Heb. 12:1-2) We also see, in retrospect, in the Old Testament, the call to “Run,” because of the judgement that was to come upon Israel. “Write the vision, and make it plain upon the tables, that he may RUN that readeth it.” (Hab. 2:2) So, why do we consider the matter of “running?” Why is it so very important?
Let’s begin with what running IS. It is the concerted commitment to launch forward, and traverse as much territory as possible in the shortest period of time, to attain a certain specific goal, or purpose. It involves the engagement of every faculty, and source of strength, and courage. It is a demonstrable commitment of a choice made, and an attitude maintained. Running may be for different reasons. As we have seen, it may be to honor someone, or to express anticipated blessing. It may also be the “means” by which every faculty and capacity of our beings is engaged for the realization of a goal, a purpose. And lastly, it may be the reaction to the knowledge that there is impending danger, the earnest desire to escape, being fully embraced. How does this affect us in our walk with Christ?
First of all, if we are free, and in love with Christ, (regardless of our age…), we are joyfully running to serve Him. When the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem during the reign of David, Scripture tells us that he danced before it. He was most certainly filled with the joy of the Lord. And so it is with the servant who lives to serve the One he loves. However, sometimes with that joy comes the reality of the tedious discipline of running, for running is not easy. There are times when, in this walk with Christ, we sprint to arrive at our goal. There is also the daily, methodical “long-distance” running, where the calm pursuit of God’s will is dominant. In either case, we are to run, not with anxiety or fear, not with the “cares of this life” wearing us down, but with free hearts and spirits. The heart and spirit that is kept clean by the cleansing power of the blood of Christ, coupled with the quickening, life-giving Spirit of God, are the essential elements for running the race. The basic reality of the essence and nature of this race is found in what we read concerning Zerubbabel: “Not by might, nor by power, but BY MY SPIRIT, saith the Lord of hosts.” (Zech. 4:6) Zerubbabel’s “race” was to rebuild the temple…what a task, with enemies, “limited” resources, and a vision of “small things” as compared with the original temple. Will he RUN? How will he RUN? Will WE run? And also, HOW will we run. We all have but one race, the time and opportunity given to us by God. May we trust Him for the wisdom and knowledge to run it well, so that, at its conclusion, we may hear Him say, “Welcome home. Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
Dear Lord, Thou who art the perfect Runner, who has run Thy course with perfection, and won. BE in us what we need this day, so that we may be enabled to run in a manner worthy of Thee. We thank Thee for Thy victorious life. May it be revealed in us as we run this race set before us this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad