Read the Word:
Hebrews 6:1-12
Meditate on the Word:
I know a lot of people who have run marathons. It is a lot of work to get to the place of being able to run 26.2 miles. Certainly more work than I have ever put in. It takes months or even years of practice. Nobody starts out running that distance. The runner starts with shorter distances and gradually increases. They vary the duration and intensity of their workouts. They are careful with their diets. They invest in the right clothing and shoes. And finally, on the day of the race, they show up and run the entire course.
We do not congratulate those who cross the starting line of a marathon. Their race has just begun and will take hours (4-5 average). The work of endurance starts at the beginning and must continue. There is no medal for those who drop out at any point in the race. There is not even a completion certificate. Are runners tempted to quit? I’m certain they are. But there is no prize, no bragging rights, no “26.2” sticker for their car if they quit.
Are we tempted to quit during the marathon of the Christian life? Are we tempted to walk instead of run? Of course we are. It is a lot of work to “demonstrate the same diligence for the full assurance of your hope until the end.” (v. 11). It is easy to get distracted and lose our focus. It is easy to quit. But we must not.
Pray the Word:
Ask our Lord to help you to endure today.
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