Keep the Torch Burning!

...The race is not to the swift... Ecclesiastes 9:11

In Ancient Greek marathons a torch was handed to each runner at the starting line. To win, they had to cross the finishing line with their torch still burning. What a picture! '...unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required...' (Luke 12:48 KJV). In God's kingdom you are called to run your best race and cross the finishing line with the fire in your heart still burning. The torch race was a tough one that led through mountains and valleys. Doubtless there were times when others would pass you by, when your strength would fail, when you lost your way and had to get back on track, or stumbled and had to get back up. What counted in this race was not style, but staying power! The Bible says, 'Run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus... lest you become weary and discouraged...' (Hebrews 12:1-3 NKJV). How did Jesus run His race? As a boy of 12 He told His parents, '...I must be about my Father's business"' (Luke 2:49NKJV). Later, when the crowd tried to take Him in a different direction and impose their agenda on Him, He said, 'I must work the works of Him that sent Me...' (John 9:4 NKJV). Facing the cross, He announced, '...For this cause I was born...' (John 18:37 NKJV). On the cross, He announced, '..."It is finished!"...' (John 19:30NKJV). In Revelation we see one of our last recorded glimpses of Christ, and '...His eyes [are] like a flame of fire' (Revelation 1:14 NKJV). He crossed the finishing line with the torch still burning. And He is your example!