LET US RUN WITH ENDURANCE THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US

In Hebrews 12:1-2 we read:

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God - Yehovah.”

And also, in Hebrews 10:36-39:

For you need endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: “For yet a little while, And he who is coming will come and will not wait. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, my soul – my entire being has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul – the entire being. “
 
Many consider that the promise of God - Yehovah was instantaneously achieved once and for all, at the moment they first believed. That moment is everything for them! They claim “once saved, always saved” which is a Satanic deception.  But brothers and sisters, the life of a follower of the lord Messiah Jesus is not an achievement in one moment, it is not something that somebody does in the corner of a room and then goes on living as he/she pleases. Instead, the life of a follower of the lord Messiah Jesus is a race. A race that lasts all our lives! And to run this race there is only one way: endurance, hold fast! We will receive the promise but only at the end of the race, not before! We first have to run the race with endurance; to endure to the end; to hold fast our faith until our last breath! And then we will receive the promise. Then comes the crown of righteousness. Not before! As Paul said:

2 Timothy 4:6-8:

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the lord [Jesus], the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved his appearing.”

First comes the finishing of the race through keeping the faith to the end, and then comes the crown of righteousness. We have to run the race to gain the crown. People who do not endure, that have left the faith because of persecution, or the cares and the love of this world (see the parable of the Sower) will not be crowned, will not receive the reward of the saved, will not enter the Kingdom of God. We have to persevere! Our faith will be tested through trials and tribulations, and we need perseverance to hold on.

In Romans 2:6-7 Paul says, speaking of God - Yehovah:

“Who will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality;”

Eternal life is a gift! Not to everybody, but to those who patiently endure to the end. Those who do not give up under the burden of temptations and afflictions but continue doing God’s – Yehovah’s will, doing the good works He has prepared for us to do, i.e., preaching the coming Kingdom of God and loving your neighbor as yourself.

How is endurance produced? The answer is through trials and tribulations. The trials and tribulations test our endurance but at the same time make it makes us spiritually stronger. That’s why God - Yehovah allows them to help us become mature disciples in the lord Messiah Jesus.

In Romans 5:3-5 we read:

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God - Yehovah has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit that was given to us.”

James 1:2-4, says the same:

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Tribulation produces patience and patience is working for our perfection and completion. Therefore, perfection and completion are not something that we will arrive at automatically. They are the product of enduring trials and tribulations. That’s why God - Yehovah allows trials and tribulation to come upon us. That’s why James says to count it all joy when we fall into various trials!

In the gospel of Jesus the Messiah, to suffer for Jesus is a given, it will happen! The lord Messiah Jesus does not tell his followers that life on the path to the Kingdom of God will be easy, just the opposite.  The lord Messiah Jesus says that whoever follows him will suffer persecution! When persecution comes patience is absolutely necessary! Therefore, if trials and tribulations come upon us, we should count it all joy!

Does Jesus appreciate our patient endurance? Absolutely yes! He looks for it! See in Revelation some of his comments:

Revelation 2:1-3:

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says he who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not and have found them liars; “and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for my name’s sake and have not become weary.”

Revelation 2:18-19:

“And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, ‘These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet like fine brass: I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.”

Revelation 3:10:

“Because you have kept my command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

Persevering is a command of Jesus that we need to have to move forward. We have to persevere to receive the crown of righteousness. We have to endure to the end, and with endurance run the race set before us, Trials and temptations, are a part of the life of a follower of the lord Messiah Jesus. In fact, they are what motivate us to persevere, and hold fast to the end!

To conclude: the life of a follower of the lord Messiah Jesus is not a walk in a rose garden whose aim is to collect “blessings”. This is not the gospel! It is the travesty of the health and wealth gospel, promoted by false teachers, the instruments of Satan! Let us not be deceived by the prosperity gospel. Instead, we should expect trials and tribulations in this world. But let’s trust in the lord Messiah Jesus, for he has overcome the world:

John 16:33:

“These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”