Thursday, July 23, 2026

Opening Scripture

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Opening Prayer

Almighty God, You are holy and worthy of praise. You are my Father, and I walk humbly in Your love. You are my Shepherd, who guides and protects me. I make myself available to You to accomplish Your will in me. I surrender every attitude, thought, and action to You. You are my Provider, and I trust You to meet my needs. Forgive me when I disappoint You and fall short. Help me to forgive others, that I might reflect Your forgiveness. Show me my sin, so I can confess it to You. Don’t let my feet stray from the path of righteousness. Protect me from Satan’s temptations, lies, and deceptions. Strengthen my faith and trust in You alone. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

Hebrews 12:1-3

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, 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Reflection  

The martyrs of Chapter 11 are the “cloud of witnesses” in today’s passage. Those who “gave witness to their faith through death” now serve as both examples and encouragement for those of us who are still living by faith.

Faith is necessary for endurance, “holding firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.” Faith enables God’s people to endure the hardship and suffering that often accompanies their devotion to King Jesus and the corresponding rejection by the kingdoms of this world.

Faith is a gift from God. It is the “divine persuasion” that God nurtures in those who seek after Him, promoting even more trust and confidence. Like the “fruit of the Spirit” that is produced in those who “abide in Jesus,” biblical faith occurs naturally and increasingly in the life of a believer.

Faith should result in appropriate action. We must act on the faith God has given us in order to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” so we can “run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” while constantly “fixing our eyes on Jesus.”

When we look at the book of James next week, we will read the admonition by James that, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

The writer of Hebrews concluded yesterday’s reading with the statement, “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”

We owe a great debt to our spiritual ancestors, who kept the faith that has been handed down to us. Many of them endured great hardship, and even death, to preserve the witness of “so great a salvation.” They knew less than we know about God’s unfolding plan of redemption for His creation, yet they remained faithful. Now, we are privileged to play our part in God’s Big Story.

For all of God’s people, the best is yet to come!

Flourishing Habit

Flourishing Christians

Today’s passage presents the Christian life as a stadium full of spectators witnessing an athletic competition. In the first-century Greco-Roman world, running was the most common form of exercise and sport. Young children were taught the best techniques and trained in the disciplines of running.

Competitive runners had no special equipment. Initially, they wore loincloths around their waists, but eventually even those were discarded. From short sprints to long-distance races, these athletes wanted nothing to slow them down or distract them. Elite runners were well-known and could become wealthy through monetary gifts and valuable prizes.

That is the imagery of our Opening Scripture. The Apostle Paul essentially asks his listeners, “Are you serious about the Christian life or not? Are you running to win?”

He encourages them (and us) to “run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

Twice in the Book of Hebrews, Jesus is referred to as the “pioneer.” Remember from Chapter 2 that the word “archēgon” can mean chief leader, captain, prince, or pioneer. In classical Greek, it referred to a military champion, the hero of the city, the founder of the city, the one who gave the city its name, and served as its guardian.

Here, the writer adds the word “teleiótés” to include perfection, maturity, and completeness. Jesus is the “finisher” who brings the life of faith to a victorious conclusion!

Jesus has laid out and completed the course. He has endured the cross and crossed the finish line. We fix our eyes on Him so we will not grow weary and lose heart. May we each run with endurance all the way to the end. Remember, it is not how you start, but how you finish that matters.

What tends to slow you down or trip you up as you follow Jesus?

How are you doing with your spiritual training and discipline?

Are you developing endurance as you live by faith?

Remember: Nothing changes until something changes!