Running God’s Race

Text: Hebrews 12:1,2

Prop: running shoes or poster of a runner

Summary: A marathon runner is used to demonstrate living for God.

(Enter wearing running shoes and a runner’s outfit if possible. Run and slow down as you approach the children.)Hello. I was just out running. I have not run very far but I’m a little out of breath. I think I’ll stop and take a break.

Running is a fun sport. It is good exercise and helps me stay in shape. There are some important things to know if you are going to run a marathon. A marathon is a very long race of 42.2 kilometers [26.2 miles]. You have to pace yourself. You just can’t run at full speed or you will give out before you can finish the race. Another thing is that you can’t take along much or it will slow you down.

The Bible speaks of running a race in the Book of Hebrews.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of God. – Hebrews 12:1,2

That is what it means to run God’s race. We have to look to the example our Lord Jesus gave us. We can’t just do it on our own. If we hold on to our old ways and habits of being a bad person (sin), then we will not be able to finish the race. It will slow us down. If we rely on the Lord Jesus, he will forgive us and we can put aside our sin. Then we can run at a steady pace, living a godly life. Just as a runner keeps his mind on the finish line, we can keep our eyes on Jesus as we go through our life here on earth.

Well, I have to be going now. Next time you put on a pair of running shoes, stop and ask yourself: Am I running my own race, or am I running God’s race?

©2002 by Jim Kerlin. All rights reserved.

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