We must press on

"He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!" Luke 13:32-33 NIV

On December 2, Runner's World Magazine published an article asking these questions, "How Long Is a Marathon? Why exactly is the race 26.2 miles? And why is that last little bit torture, glory, and history all rolled into one stretch?"' The writer went on to say, "As many know, it is not just 26 miles. There’s that pesky point-freaking-two—385 yards with inestimable importance. In those final moments, races are won and lost, Boston-qualifying dreams come true (or die). The realization that you did it happens, but you still have .2 to go.... It’s a complicated feeling, reaching that 26-mile mark. It’s elation when it's approaching, knowing you only have .2 to go. But the final meters grind. They seem endless, a stretch of road that tests your every mental and physical capacity. Only the race you run that day can dictate if you’ll surge or flop, sprint or fall. But once you get there, don’t be shy: raise your arms in triumph or cry out in pain. This is the moment you’ve trained for—the final stretch, the end." The final meters grind? As someone who has completed my fair share of marathons, I will attest to that being a true statement. The final .2 can indeed seem endless and painful. Which is the very reason we must keep our eyes on the finish line to avoid slowing down. 

And you know, when it comes to pressing on despite obstacles, especially in the final meters, I love the attitude Jesus had. Nearing the end of His race, Jesus was once again met with opposition when He was told to go somewhere else because Herod wanted to kill Him. Rather than back down though, Jesus said, "Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day..." Jesus was determined to let nothing slow Him down as He raced to the finish line. He was resolute and steadfast in His decision to press on with dogged determination and tenacious persistence until he reached the goal He was given by the Father. His attitude was, "I MUST press on..." And press on He did!

So let us imitate Jesus my friends. Let us make the determination that we will keep doing today, tomorrow, and every day whatever task the Father has called us to do. In spite of all obstacles and increasing hostility towards following Jesus, we must press on to the finish line without slowing down even one bit, knowing that a prize of immeasurable value awaits each person that remains faithful til the end. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Jesus who never shied away in fear, never backed down from a challenge, and never slowed down in His pursuit to serve You and accomplish all that He was instructed to do. Lord, give us this same attitude that we might be able to impact our world in the same way Jesus did. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!