How To Run the Race
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2
Christ, Himself is to be the single object of our attention in the spiritual race we pursue. The word looking comes from a verb that means ‘to look away from.’ It denotes the idea of viewing with undivided, fixed, earnest attention.
This is the look of total dependence upon Christ for all we need as we run. Christ is the source of all our requirements. Thus, the verse can be read, ‘Looking into Jesus’ – a deep, penetrating look, filling our minds with all that Christ is, constantly communing with Him and drawing out of Him strength for the course.
To run ‘looking into Jesus’ also indicates total obedience. In the context, Paul reminds us that a race is set before us (v. 1). We must fix our purpose on that race and allow nothing to divert our attention. That is possible only as we are taken up with the Lord. What obedience is generated in us as we keep our eyes on Him! You see, He ran His race with full commitment to the Father. Nothing could prevail upon Him to keep Him from doing the Father’s will as He obeyed because He loved His Father, so love for Christ alone will stir up our hearts to run the race set before us. The more we love Christ, the more we will lay aside those things which would hinder us – our besetting sins, which are our inward corruptions, and the things of the world, the weights that would hold us back.
Furthermore, this ‘looking unto Jesus’ refers to total steadfastness in our running. We should want to run well and complete the race. Christ did so. He is the ‘author and finisher of our faith.’ The word author also means ‘prince’ or ‘captain,’ denoting a leader. He has gone before us, so He has covered the ground already. What an example of steadfastness! Thus ‘let us run with patience.’ (v. 1).
Quote: Too much occupied with our work, we can forget our Master, it is possible to have the hands full and the heart empty. – Theodore Monod
Daily devotions are from the book “Eagle’s Wings” published by the Free Presbyterian Church. © Free Presbyterian Church 1991- All Rights Reserved.
The Lord's Day Services
Sunday, September 5, 2021
11:00 a.m. Morning Worship – Pastor Saunders
Communion Service following the morning service
5:50 p.m. Pre-service Prayer
6:30 p.m. Evening Worship – Pastor Saunders
Weekly Announcements
Wednesday, September 8th
7:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer
Thursday, September 9th
6:00 p.m. Session Meeting
7:30 p.m. Session and Board Meeting
Advanced Announcements
Sunday, September 12th
11:00 a.m. Morning Worship
5:50 p.m. Pre-Service Prayer
6:30 p.m. Evening Worship
Wednesday, September 15th
7:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer
Whitefield Christian Schools
We give thanks to God for allowing Whitefield’s doors to open and welcome students on September 7th. Please pray for the staff, students and families, asking the Lord to pilot, protect and provide in every aspect of this ministry.
Whitefield’s motto text: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4
The Shorter Catechism
The Children's Catechism - History
Q25: How were the people stopped in their work of building the Tower of Babel?
A: By God confounding their language, so that they did not understand one another.
