“…..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.” Hebrews 12
I snapped this picture at North Topsail on a Good Friday over a decade ago. I was standing on the shoreline with my camera draped around my neck near the end of the day. And then he appeared—a man running in the opposite direction I was walking. In the sky above, there was the form of a cross, likely etched from the contrails of military aircraft from nearby Camp Lejeune.
Reflecting on this image some days later I could hear the words from the Epistle to the Hebrews Chapter 12: “run with perseverance the race marked out for us fixing our eyes on Jesus.”
I’m drawn to the “ for us” language and the fixing of “our” eyes. It brings to mind all those with whom I have journeyed in “the race” and still do. Some are no longer with us, having finished their course, and some are still running partners. And as I near the end of my leg of this race, I give thanks for each of you and the privilege of serving with you over the course of this summer.
As Alan and I prepare to exchange the baton of leadership, I pause to give thanks for Chris Brady, his faithful leadership, and friendship. As he runs his race, we pray for his perseverance. As Alan moves into the calling of superintendent and pastor, the prayer is the same – for perseverance. John Wesley reminds us all that our perseverance rests in much more than gritting our teeth and pushing through. He notes that Jesus is “The author and finisher of our faith – Who begins it in us, carries it on, and perfects it.”
So, with Christ before us…..we press on…….
With JOY!
Jon (the Methodist)