RUN HIS RACE AND FINISH WELL!
(Hebrews 1— Jesus— Creator, exact image of God, upholds the universe, made purification for sins, greater than angels, Son of God, angels worship Him/serve Him)
RUN HIS RACE AND FINISH WELL!
And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. But he did not keep what the LORD commanded. Therefore the LORD said to Solomon, “Since this has been your practice and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes that I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you and will give it to your servant. —I Kings 11:9-11
And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David his father. And Rehoboam his son reigned in his place. —I Kings 11:43
O you who love the LORD, hate evil! —Psalm 97:10
On this “Good Friday” of 2023, let us ponder Who Jesus Is and the amazing work He did at the cross and through the resurrection. “It is finished” were such important words summarizing the work He came to do. He paid our sin debt and now all who call on Him, turning from their own ways (repentance) and then following and learning His ways (being a disciple), have eternal life, can live for Him now and be with Him forever after this life.
He has marked out a race for us that we are to run with perseverance, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). Oh, that we would be faithful right to the end and finish the race well. Solomon did not finish well. Here is a man that God gave immense wisdom and He did not finish well. God had appeared to Solomon twice and told him not to go after other gods. He disobeyed and it had serious ramifications— the kingdom would be divided. He did not hate evil as He should have. Oh, may we learn from his life and not repeat his failure. Be wise! (Matthew 7:7:24-27).
But how about us, we who are followers of Jesus, disciples of His? Do we hate evil? Do we truly love our Lord? If we do then we will hate evil and love what is right. As we ponder this day, “Good Friday” and the finished work of Jesus at the cross, “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good” and “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:9, 21). Yes, Dear Father, may we be faithful followers/learners/disciples of Jesus and finish well the race You have marked out for us until we are finally home! May we do so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. So be it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRSGXKsv7IU