I must confess, I loathe running. If you see me running downtown, look for a nearby bear. Yet, I see the benefits of running and greatly respect those that enjoy the cardio. As the spring weather approaches Pensacola, there will be more runners invading our roads.
In 2 Timothy, Paul is suffering and at the end of his life. He examined his life and found much gain and joy. With this, he wrote this letter to young Timothy. The letter was one of endurance as the Christian faith is a race; a journey which may involve suffering.
How can we run after the glory of Jesus?
- We must get rid of what brings us down. In 2 Timothy 2:22, Paul instructed Timothy to FLEE from sin. The idea here is for us to get rid of and run away from the sinful weight in our lives. I remember watching my wife run the DC marathon back in 2009. As the race drew near the halfway point, several runners threw off outer clothing for it became useless weight. Of course, it was not a free for all in the clothes as they were collected and donated. The writer of Hebrews would also add, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). How can we do this? Perhaps you can make a list of what should be stripped away from your life and find a rescue plan. I have a rescue plan for you. His name is Jesus.
- We must run toward what is good. It is one thing to run away from sin. It is a better thing to run toward what is good. Again, His name is Jesus. Returning to 2 Timothy 2:22, Paul told Timothy to pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace. Pursue, in the original language, translates, “to put to flight.” As we run FROM sin, we get to run TOWARD Jesus. He is the reward in our race. Paul would write at the end of this letter, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). The reward is a race completed and a life lived for the glory of the Savior.
I love the end of the races. I love seeing the expression of joy in the faces of victorious runners/walkers. It communicates…I have finished! All the training and work was well worth the journey when the race concluded. One day, we will be finished. In Jesus, we will cross the finish line and be victorious. Oh, what a blessed day that will be!
Dave Snyder, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Pensacola
dsnyder@fbcp.org
Local Pulse Editor’s Note:
Dave Snyder is a part of our Community Voices series. This dynamic group of Pensacola dwellers is dedicated to driving positive change in our city. They inspire progress and foster a stronger, more connected community through shared experiences, expert insights, and thoughtful perspectives on impactful topics.
