The Eternal Prize: Winning Our Race Straight Into His Arms!

The Race Set Before Us

In the book of Hebrews, the apostle Paul encourages believers to run the race of faith with endurance: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

The Christian journey is likened to a race—a marathon, not a sprint. We’re surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses,” those who have gone before us and now cheer us on from the heavenly stands. Our goal is not merely earthly success but an eternal prize. We are called to do things as a reflection of Christ and to attain that which is righteous in every aspect of our lives, representing all that is good and run and walk in the light.  This is the ultimate job to do things according to His will and purpose for our lives.

The Crown of Righteousness

Paul, in his final letter to Timothy, speaks of the reward awaiting those who remain faithful:

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8)

The “crown of righteousness” symbolizes the approval of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s not a perishable wreath but an imperishable honor bestowed upon those who eagerly await His return. A day of joy and jubilation and a day to bow on bended knee and shout “Hallelujah.”

The Imperishable Prize

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul uses athletic imagery to convey the eternal significance of our faithfulness:

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
The world offers fleeting rewards—crowns that fade and rust. But our pursuit is different. We strive for an “incorruptible” prize—an eternal inheritance that neither moth nor rust can destroy.

Reflective Questions

As we contemplate this theme, consider the following questions:

• What does “winning for life” mean to you personally?
• How can you lay aside “weights” and “sin” to run the race of faith more effectively?
• Are there areas in your life where you need to be more “temperate”?

May you continue to run the race, knowing that the ultimate victory lies beyond this life—a “win for life” that surpasses all earthly gains. What a wonderful goal and finish to look forward to!  As we go forward may we meditate on things above and the Kingdom of the LORD and His Word, as we continue to pursue all things in His name.

“Heavenly Father, we thank You for the promise of an eternal prize. Help us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Strengthen us to endure, to run with patience, and to love Your appearing. May we live in light of the imperishable crown awaiting us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”