Hey, guys, today we want to encourage you with a subject from the Bible that has been inspiring Britney’s and my hearts, motivating us to run our race wholeheartedly for Jesus. Years ago, I came across a video about a college girl who was a runner competing in front of her hometown crowd. As the race began, she and the others ran full steam ahead. However, in the midst of the race, she tripped and fell, a devastating moment that left everyone wondering if she would even get back up, let alone finish the race.
Despite the setback, to everyone’s surprise, she rose to her feet and kept running. She pressed on, unsure if she could catch up to the other girls, but giving it her all nonetheless. Eventually, she not only caught up but surpassed the other runners, winning the entire race. It was a remarkable and inspiring moment.
This story reminded me of a biblical example found in Romans 14:10-12, where it speaks of standing before the Judgment Seat of Christ. At first glance, facing judgment may not sound motivating, but in the context of scripture, it serves as a powerful encouragement for believers. The term “Judgment Seat” in Greek, bema seat, refers to a place where athletes were rewarded for their performance, much like the Olympic Games.
Just as runners eagerly anticipated standing before the bema seat to receive their rewards, we as believers should eagerly anticipate standing before Christ to give an account of our lives. This anticipation should inspire us to run our race wholeheartedly, just as those athletes trained diligently for the chance to stand before the bema seat.
Consider Hebrews 9:27, which reminds us of the appointed time for each person to face judgment. We only have one life to live, one chance to run our race for Jesus. Therefore, it’s essential to live wholeheartedly for Him, to strive for rewards in heaven.
First Corinthians 3:11-15 provides insight into what this judgment may entail. Our works will be tested by fire, and those that endure will be rewarded, while those that perish will result in loss. This passage underscores the importance of living a life that builds up rewards in heaven, rather than focusing solely on earthly pursuits.
Are you running your race for the Lord in a way that builds up rewards in heaven? Are you living a life that will endure the test of fire? As believers, we should strive to do the little things that please the Lord, knowing that He sees and rewards them.
Jesus Himself spoke often about rewards in heaven, emphasizing their importance. However, many Christians may overlook this aspect because they misunderstand or downplay its significance. Rewards in heaven aren’t about flaunting material wealth or status; they’re about Jesus expressing His appreciation for our faithful service.
So, let the bema seat be your motivation as you run your race for Jesus. Even if you stumble along the way, know that Jesus is cheering you on, encouraging you to get back up and keep running. Your ultimate reward will be hearing His words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
In conclusion, may we all strive to live in such a way that we build up rewards in heaven, knowing that on that day, the only thing that will matter is what Jesus says to us. He is with us, He loves us, and He will help us finish our race victoriously.
