March 12, 2024
Read Numbers 1, Psalm 71, Philippians 3
What are some things that you have had to press on through in your life? School or a tough job or time in your life? Maybe it was a relationship that was difficult, dealing with a terminal disease or losing a loved one. Chances are, we have all faced things in our lives that have called us to press on though them. Perhaps the greatest area we face pressing on is in our faith and relationship with Christ. Being a Christian is all about putting off the earthly temporary things for the eternal rewards that we are called to “seek first.”
In Philippians 3 we find this encouraging message from Paul to press on. “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” v. 12. AS Christians we can never be satisfied of where we are in our walk with the Lord. We must continue to reform and sanctify ourselves unto the likeness of Jesus and his life.
Paul says that running the race and striving ahead involves a few things. First, we are to forget what is behind. “Forgetting what is behind” v. 13 could mean letting go of bad things in our past that are weighing us down or troubling our minds. It might also mean that we forget the past successes and good things we have accomplished to strive for new heights and goals in our future.
Roger Bannister was the first man in the world to run a mile in under four minutes in May 1954. The next month, Australian John Landy broke that record by 1.4 seconds. In August 1954 the two fastest mile runners in the world met for an historic race at the British Empire Games in Vancouver, Canada, the race being dubbed “The Miracle Mile“, the “Race of the Century” and the “Dream Race”.
As Bannister and Landy turned for the last lap, Landy was ahead and looked certain to win, but as he neared the finishing line he lost focus and allowed his mind to wonder about Bannister’s position. Unable to stand the strain, he finally looked back over his shoulder, and as he did so his stride faltered and Bannister passed him to break the tape.
Landy later said, “I would have won the race if I hadn’t LOOKED BACK: if I hadn’t taken my EYES OFF THE GOAL”
Second, Paul says, “straining towards what is ahead” we press on. If anything is worth doing great, we must learn to strain and push ahead and make the sacrifice now for the payoff that comes later. Third and finally Paul says, “Only let us live up to what we have already attained” v. 16. This means no shrinking back or no regression in our walk with God is good. We will fall and mess up, but our aim is to get back on the horse and keep going.
What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
Add your thoughts below.
DId God Really Say... 