Title: Racers of Faith (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Among the many sports events, the most difficult is the marathon. A marathon is a very difficult race where you run 42.195 km and 105 li alone to the finish line.
The Apostle Paul compared our faith life to a marathon, saying that we have fought the good fight and have run all the way.
The marathon started in Athens and was called 'the flower of the Olympics'. At that time, the Roman emperor crowned the players who entered first place. God will grant us a crown when we also run hard throughout our lives and reach the kingdom of God, the King of kings.
There are hundreds of people at the start of this race, but after 10-20km the number starts to drop and the number becomes small at the last teff break. Some people come in as they die and fall down, receiving care from emergency doctors, while others are hugged by a coach. Many people start our religious life, but how many people make it to the kingdom of God? Let's take a look at the four secrets of how to run well without falling out in the middle.
1. We must listen to the cheers of thousands of Witnesses.
There are Witnesses that surround us like a cloud. It seems like we're playing alone, but we're not. Our seniors of faith who have gone before us give us passionate support. Support is very important.
With the enthusiastic support of their fans, an athlete tries to give up the game, but then regains strength and courage to finish the game. The same is true for the game of faith. Many forefathers of faith, such as Abraham, Moses, and David, stand and support us. When we are discouraged or desperate, we cheer for you by calling our names. Job says: wake up! I also ran, what did I have? I killed 10 children, lost my fortune, and got sick, but I didn't blame God. cheer up! The seniors of the faith who sprinted along the path of hardship are admonishing them to do this in times like these. I hope you find this kind of support in the Bible. For the rest of my life, I hope that you will have God as your shepherd and live a life without lack. I hope that you will hear the sound of strong support through the Word.
2. Take off the heavy stuff.
He said to put away all the heavy things and the sins that easily entangle us. You need to remove anything that clings to your body and prevents you from running. In the past, when you committed a crime, you must unfasten the chains on your legs and remove everything that makes it uncomfortable to move. Also, athletes shouldn't gain weight. Ssireum wrestlers are an exception, but there are no athletes out there.
When we go to that heaven, I hope that we will confess our sins before the Lord and be forgiven and go that way with a very light heart.
Pride, worry, worry, discouragement, worldly goods and pleasures, which are obstacles in the life of faith, make us look at the world. Let the blood of Christ cast off all these heavy burdens and run to your destination.
3. Be patient with patience.
He also told us to run with patience the race set before us. When marathon runners run 10-15 km, their heart pounding and cramps in their legs sometimes occur. It is said that the most difficult moment, running 20-30 km, is painful, dry mouth, and regrets starting a marathon. It is said that the people who lined up for the year are rather envious and even feel that they will not do it next time.
If it exceeds 30km, it is said that it runs frantically without knowing whether it is running or not. It is a fierce battle with oneself. However, how great the glory and reward would be if you had to endure all these difficult processes with patience and be first place.
Hwang Young-jo meets the president and receives billions of dollars in advertising fees, and when he goes abroad, he is treated as a distinguished guest.
By faith Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's princess, but preferred to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the momentary pleasures of iniquity, and regarded reproach for Christ as greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. Looking forward to the reward (Hebrews 11:24-26). Let's look to God's reward. The difficulties of the Christian life are not compared to the glory we will receive.
4. To become the winner of our faith, we must look to Jesus.
We must look to Jesus, who is the main and perfecter of our faith. When we see people, it is easy to become discouraged or disappointed. Are you in pain, suffering, or despair? Have you been despised or despised? Look to Jesus, who received unspeakable disrespect for my sins.
Is there ever a question about whether God is alive?
Look to the God who saved mankind through love by hanging His Son on the cross. Those who wait on the Lord will give them strength. When we look to the Lord, we find comfort, courage, strength, and grace.
Dear brothers and sisters, the Lord waits at the gates of heaven and crowns the athletes who persevere and run to the end without getting discouraged. I bless you all who win the race of faith today.