I’ve had an obsession with maple trees recently. Maybe because it’s Autumn here in Perth. It’s that special time of the year when the leaves turn bright red, and the wonderful thing about it is that the leaves shine brighter than the flowers (if there are any!).
Hebrews 12:1-3 are the verses that come to mind when I look at this pic. For it feels like it is the last lap of the year. And as the Author of Hebrews said, let us run this race for Him and set our eyes just upon Him.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame,and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).
For those of my academic friends who are still working on their last one or two papers, press on! It’s literally the last lap . . . and that goes for anyone anywhere else out there!
Study, work, live for Christ, and never lose sight.
—pic and copy submitted by Victor Kuah, Australia
tom felten on June 29, 2012 at 11:28 am
Amen, Victor! Praise God for the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives—giving us the endurance we need: Romans 5:3-5.
mike wittmer on July 9, 2012 at 11:08 am
there is something both sad and satisfying about the last lap–sad because something is ending but satisfying that a job is completed. I think of Paul’s words in 2 Tim. 4:6-8, that he has “finished the race.” I pray that we will all be able to say that when we near the end of our lives. And I guess the way we do that is by running hard today!