John Macduff Collection: MacDuff, John - The Christians Pathway (31 days): Day 20

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John Macduff Collection: MacDuff, John - The Christians Pathway (31 days): Day 20



TOPIC: MacDuff, John - The Christians Pathway (31 days) (Other Topics in this Collection)
SUBJECT: Day 20

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20. The Heavenly Race

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1Co_9:24.

In running the race which is set before us, it is not sufficient for us to make a good start; unless we hold on, in spite of every hindrance—all will be in vain. Who are they, who will be saved? None but such as endure unto the end. Who are to receive the crown of life? None but those who are faithful unto death. Who will attain the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus? Only those who are pressing onward toward the mark, forgetting the things which are behind, and reaching forth, with quenchless ardor, unto the things which are ahead!

It is, alas! no uncommon thing for people to run well for a time—and then to turn back to the beggarly elements of this world. Such there were formerly, and such there are still. "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him." "All those who are in Asia," says the apostle, "have deserted me." It appears that he had a high opinion of Demas at one period, for in the close of his epistle to the Colossians, he is ranked among the saints; and we find Demas sending his greetings to the distant brethren in the Lord. But before long, Paul had occasion to change his note, and with deep emotion, he says, "Demas has forsaken me—having loved the present world!"

The resolution of Peter, was, in itself, an admirable one—"Though all should forsake you—yet I never will!" Reader, make the same resolve—but not in the same spirit. Let it be your firm determination, in reliance upon Him who gives power to the faint, and to those who have no might increases strength—to cleave to Christ with full purpose of heart. Every encouragement have we to do so. That grace, which is all-sufficient, is promised; and having your heart established therewith, you have nothing to fear. Looking unto Jesus, trusting in Him, and strengthened by Him—you shall reach the goal in safety!

Where are now the mighty cloud of witnesses? Where are the patriarchs, and prophets, and apostles? Where are those heroic spirits, "who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, waxed valiant in fight, and turned to flight the armies of the aliens?" Where are those faithful martyrs, "who had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yes, moreover of bonds and imprisonments, who were stoned, who were sawn asunder, who wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented"? Where are they now? They are before the Throne, with, crowns upon their heads, and waving palms in their hands, ascribing salvation to God and the Lamb! O think of that blessed band! Let the thought that they were sustained by God in the midst of all their struggles, and that their faith and patience have issued in so large a reward—impart both encouragement and stimulus to you—to hold fast the beginning of your confidence, steadfast unto the end!