It’s Monday, December 30th, 2024—the last two days of the year. Ever see a track meet where the leader in a sprint loses to an opponent in the last few yards of the race? Often, it’s when the forerunner takes his eyes off the finish and glances at the other runners to see if they are catching up. Paul the Apostle said in Phil. 3:14, “Fix your eyes on the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” What we focus on will determine much about our race. Read on …
Today's Reading:
Revelation 15,16,17,18
Scripture
“I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign … those who had been victorious … They held harps given them by God and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: ‘Great and marvelous are your deeds Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the nations.’” (Revelation 15:1-4)
Observation
These next few chapters bring the curtain down on “Babylon” and those who were associated with her immoral acts. But amid the judgments, the people of God were focusing NOT on those who ought to be punished, but instead on the righteousness of God! They were searching for what was happening in heaven, not getting distracted by what was happening on earth. Of course, they were aware, but the prize of their race was a different one. They were concentrating on bringing God glory, no matter what was happening on earth!
Application
I can get caught up with what is happening on earth more than what God is doing in His Kingdom! It’s in His Kingdom that we live, breathe, and have our main purpose. But we start competing with the world and focusing on others and how they are running. If I do that, I get distracted and lose focus!
In this new year, one of my goals is to fix my eyes on what God is doing in me and in my life. Others are running their own race, following their own paths. They will be adjudicated by the final Judge, so I cannot spend my time being a “Sherlock” to see who’s more innocent and who’s more guilty. Of course, I will apply discernment and make wise decisions, but I will double down on my race and the prize of the upward call.
Prayer
Father, I am understanding more and more what the writer of Hebrews meant when we read these words:
“…throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles us, and run with endurance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.” (Heb. 12:1-2)
Thank You for revealing things to me and connecting the dots as I grow in You. Make 2025 the best year ever as I run my race and fix my eyes on You!
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