Read Habakkuk 2:2-4 and Hebrews 10:37-38
The Bible tells us there are none righteous, no not one (Romans 3:10). So today’s readings are not talking about perfect or even good people, but those who have come to Jesus by faith and asked for forgiveness for their sin. Then our faith is credited to us as righteousness! That’s the best deal we will ever make. So, how do we live by faith? Today’s passages are set in the context of the end of time and God’s judgment. Are you living with the end goal in mind, with thanksgiving every day to the one who paid the debt you couldn’t pay to declare you righteous?
I recently read a story of two runners, one physically impressive, perfect in form and training; the other, pitiful in comparison, out of shape, no form, falls often, but somehow continually gets up and keeps going. The first runner is miles ahead, everyone is cheering for him, but suddenly he falls. He is mad, he quits, he won’t finish if he can’t win. The second runner keeps getting up and finishes the race. He beats the first runner simply by keeping the finish line as his goal. Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
To every man there openeth a way, and a ways and a way
The high soul climbs the high way and the low soul gropes the low, And in between on the misty flats, the rest drift to and fro,
But to every man there openeth a way, a high way and a low,
And every man must choose which way his soul will go.
We can aim low, we can be quitters, or we can fix our eyes on Jesus. We have daily decisions to make to reach the finish line.
The longer I walk with God the more I can see what He is accomplishing. There is so much joy when you look behind you and see a small parade of people transformed by Jesus making a difference in their world. Milwaukee is called the most segregated city in America, but then we see Eastbrook, totally integrated across all lines, worshipping together in love. His hope does not disappoint.
DIG DEEPER:
- Think of a tough time God has helped you through, what helped you get through it and what did you learn from it?
written by Nancy Erickson
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