I have run the race . . .

Hebrews 12:1 says: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

The author of Hebrews begins the chapter by reminding us that we're not alone in this world. He reminds us that the entire world, a world i believe to be thirsty for their God's touch, is watching. It's how every mistake is caught, how every pastor who sins is on the evening news, how every scandal is heard by all. someone was watching. the thing we should remember is that those people are always watching, and though ministries to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, bless children, and provide for widows often go unannounced, they are still seen. they are seen by the people we serve, and love, and care for. these ministries are also seen by their friends and family as they ask "you look better today, what hapened?" they are seen by those who had hardened their hearts against Jesus, and though those hearts don't always melt on the spot, a chip comes off, and the more we love and the more we reflect Jesus, the more pieces of the wall fall until they meet Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our Faith.

this author also reminds us to keep going. to keep running. not to run once in a while, but to continue to grow, to continue opening our hearts to JEsus, that he might finish the work he began.

Let us be reminded of the urgency of salvation, and driven by that urgency, let us run, and run, and run, to keep reflecting Jesus, that those who hunger for him and his salvation might meet him, and join us in this race, and that they too might go home to join he who will bring all this to perfection by his grace.