Lent Week 3
Run Hard
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly.
1 Corinthians 9:24–26
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly.
1 Corinthians 9:24–26
In the season of Lent, we pause to reflect on the profound depth of Christ's sacrifice, a love so enduring it led Him to the cross for the sake of the Father's will and our redemption. 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 invites us to contemplate not just the race set before us, but the ultimate example of endurance found in Jesus Christ.
Not only do we reflect as we journey through Lent, but we are called to emulate Christ's faithfulness, which was rooted in love. Jesus, the Son of God, willingly restrained Himself, surrendering His divine prerogatives to dwell among us, to experience our joys and sorrows, and ultimately to suffer and die on our behalf.
Christ's endurance was not merely physical, but a deep, sacrificial commitment to the Father's plan of salvation. In the Garden of Gethsemane, we see Jesus' anguish as He prayed, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" (Luke 22:42). Despite the agony He faced, Jesus submitted Himself fully to the Father's will, demonstrating unparalleled endurance born out of perfect love.
The journey to Calvary reveals the extent of Christ's perseverance. He endured betrayal, mockery, and excruciating physical pain, all while bearing the weight of humanity's sin. Yet, in the midst of His suffering, Jesus displayed unwavering love and forgiveness, crying out, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).
As we meditate on Christ's endurance during Lent, may we be humbled by His selfless love and inspired to follow His example. Let us deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24), enduring whatever hardships or sacrifices come our way for the sake of love—for love of God and love of our neighbors. In Christ's endurance, we find hope, redemption, and the promise of eternal life. Amen.
Not only do we reflect as we journey through Lent, but we are called to emulate Christ's faithfulness, which was rooted in love. Jesus, the Son of God, willingly restrained Himself, surrendering His divine prerogatives to dwell among us, to experience our joys and sorrows, and ultimately to suffer and die on our behalf.
Christ's endurance was not merely physical, but a deep, sacrificial commitment to the Father's plan of salvation. In the Garden of Gethsemane, we see Jesus' anguish as He prayed, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" (Luke 22:42). Despite the agony He faced, Jesus submitted Himself fully to the Father's will, demonstrating unparalleled endurance born out of perfect love.
The journey to Calvary reveals the extent of Christ's perseverance. He endured betrayal, mockery, and excruciating physical pain, all while bearing the weight of humanity's sin. Yet, in the midst of His suffering, Jesus displayed unwavering love and forgiveness, crying out, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).
As we meditate on Christ's endurance during Lent, may we be humbled by His selfless love and inspired to follow His example. Let us deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24), enduring whatever hardships or sacrifices come our way for the sake of love—for love of God and love of our neighbors. In Christ's endurance, we find hope, redemption, and the promise of eternal life. Amen.
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