I have an acquaintance named Tripp who announced to me that his goal was to one day enter the Boston Marathon. As someone who knows very little if anything about running, much less marathons, it seemed strange that the goal was to enter the race. So I revealed my ignorance and challenged him, commenting that it would make more sense if his goal was to finish the race, not just enter it.
Then Tripp graciously went on to explain that entering the race was not as simple as just signing up, paying the money and securing a number to tape on your tank top. Actually, to enter the Boston marathon a runner had to meet a very strict set of qualifications including but not limited to, finishing another marathon within certain period of time. Once that hurdle was completed it became a matter filling out the right paper work and in general jumping over hurdle after hurdle of red tape to enter the race.
As I thought about what my friend Tripp was facing just to enter the Boston Marathon, it occurred to me how grateful I am that the qualifications to enter the race for “the crown that will last forever,” have all been met (1 Cor. 9:25). I don’t have to be in shape to get started, nor do I have to get it all right to run. I have been pre-qualified by the grace of God through Jesus Christ, who marked out the course by running ahead.
Hebrews 12:1-3 says,
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 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, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
I love these verses because they remind us that Jesus got us in the race by grace, and we honor the opportunity by running wisely with perseverance. As you run, fix your eyes on Jesus who is out in front leading the way!
