Last Saturday morning, I was fortunate to run in a chilly 5K in Elizabeth City for Albemarle Hopeline. It was a blessing to share the run with Pastor Bill Blake (be sure to congratulate him on his medal!) and run along the banks of the Pasquotank River as we made our way through quiet neighborhoods.
During our run, volunteers were strategically placed along the route, directing us down the correct streets and holding us accountable to not cut corners. Nearly every time we passed a volunteer, we heard hand claps and words of encouragement, cheering us on as we kept going forward. It was like being in a parade, as the volunteers pointed us in the right direction and cheered us on to finish the race.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Jesus was in a parade. Jesus heard the crowds cheering for him, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord – the King of Israel!” Pastor Lisa Yebuah reminded me earlier last week the Hebrew meaning of Hosanna is, “Rescue me!” All those voices cheering loudly, “Rescue me! Rescue me!” toward Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who led the parade, humble and obedient, into Jerusalem.
Jesus made his way, so that we would have a way.
As we came to the end of the race, we could see the finish line, marked by an inflatable archway, where a radar would capture our finishing time, and two children waited with bottles of water to hand us as we finished. All those words of encouragement had pushed us forward. All the clapping had challenged us to keep going. All the friendly smiles had charged us with hope.
I wonder if all those cries of “Hosanna” encouraged Jesus, too?
Jesus is the pioneer and perfecter, friends, as he ran his race with perseverance. Instead of laying aside every weight and sin, he carried every weight and sin that clings so closely to you and me, and took it to the cross. That’s who I want to follow in any race. That’s the pace-setter who knows my needs. That’s the model runner who never tires. Jesus.
I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith,
And be closer drawn to Thee.
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.
Let’s keep running the race, friends, as we follow Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.
David
If you would like to view past editions of Driving with David, follow this link:
https://beacondistrictnc.org/category/from-the-ds/