With An Eye for the Finishing Line!

September 2021

It is silly to begin a race, especially the race designed by God for us, unless we intend to persevere to the end.

He who runs with clear aim, looks straightforward to the goal, and makes it his sole aim and casts away every encumbrance and weight of soul so that he might win the prize.  Hebrews 12 verses 1 and 2 encourages us with these words .. "Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever.

Paul speaks of the need for due diligence in following the call of the Gospel, referring to himself. I have called others to the contest explaining the rules, but I also need to live right so at the end I am not a castaway, rejected by God. My preaching may have led others to be accepted but, despite that, I myself can be a reprobate. 2 Corinthians 13:6.

Due diligence requires earnest, self-denying watchfulness in everything we do, always remembering others and their needs. Victory is not based on our perfection, but what we know and then what we do with what we know.

During the dark days of World War II, a British liner left an English port, bound for America. The crossing was very dangerous. Secret directions were given to the liner's captain. They read: ‘Keep straight on this course. Turn aside for nothing, and if you need help send a wireless message in this code!’

After a few days at sea, an enemy cruiser was sighted. The captain of the liner sent out a message in the special code. The captain’s message, decoded, read, ‘Enemy cruiser sighted. What shall I do?’ Back came the reply from an unseen ship: ‘Keep straight on: I am standing by.’

Although no friendly vessel could be seen, the liner kept straight on, and at last reached port in safety. Soon afterwards, into the same harbour came a sophisticated British naval warship fully armed for any intruder. The battleship, the unseen, had been standing by all the time, ready to help. So is our mighty God!

David and Cherie Rodway