Heavenly Prize!

For Saturday, October 22, 2022:

Philippians 3:14 NLT: “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

The Apostles in Jerusalem ministered mainly to Jews who had seen the light. But Paul’s mission was to the Gentiles in Greece and later in Rome. Greeks originated the olympic games, so they were quite familiar with finishing a big race and winning a prize. Here Paul compares a Christian’s journey with an olympic race.

Running a marathon is challenging, especially considering its length. It’s easy to run to the corner and back, but 28.2 miles tempts us to just give up, to quit. Paul says, “I press on,” even when there are challenges, even when it becomes difficult. Why? Because those who complete the journey are given a “heavenly prize,” the gift of spending eternal life in the light of the Lord!

The Greeks only won olive branches. But this heavenly prize makes running the Christian race worthwhile!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406