The Finish Line

What is the nature of this Christian race? Let's turn to Acts 9:15-16... Luke is describing Paul's call in this passage. Jesus is talking about how Paul is an instrument specifically chosen by God to go proclaim the name of Jesus to those outside of God's people and to those who have been longing for the Messiah. He also gets to go proclaim the name of Jesus to Kings. How awesome is that?! Jesus then goes on to say that there will be suffering involved and that it's going to be difficult, a road marked with pain and suffering.

There is an aspect of Paul's call that is Universal: following Jesus is never free from suffering (James 1:2 tells us that knowing the testing of our faith produces patience). We can't deny the fact that the nature of Christianity doesn't come with some kind of suffering. But quitting because of suffering is a lame excuse in my opinion. When we lay our "yes" down, we know it's going to be difficult. In other words, when we give our lives over to Christ, we know what's in store for our lives.

So, why would we want to be involved in this Christianity thing if we know that suffering is a guarenteed aspect? Well, because it's worth it. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 says, "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." Now what a beautiful promise this is to us as Christ followers! There is a crown of righteousness awaiting us. This is why we endure and why we strive to finish the race. This crown is the fullness of Christ's righteousness, bought for us on the Cross.

As a Believer you are counted as righteous. But, we still live in a sinful world and we aren't actually righteous. That's how we can love Jesus and still fall into our worst habits. We all face this, often times I find myself facing this on a daily basis. We will eventually cross that line where our sin no longer separates us from God. And what a glory filled day that will be. So again, why should we strive to finish this race called "life"? Because, Jesus is at the finish line. He clothed us in righteousness and experienced a world free from sin. How awesome will it be to look at our Savior in the face without guilt and shame? Just let that image and feeling for you specifically soak in. It will be perfect. Think of the most joy you have ever felt in your life this far, and then imagine what it will be like to stand in front of your Savior at the finish line.

This is a race worth finishing and enduring. At the finish line Jesus brings restoration and healing. Endure, Courtney