Let’s Run With The Horses
Denver Thomas
God, speaking through the prophet Jeremiah, said in Jeremiah 12:5, “If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?”
It seems many of the Lord’s people today have become weary in their service to our great creator. Attendance at worship assemblies is hit-and-miss for many; study of God’s word is lacking; taking the Gospel to the lost is often something left to someone else; providing for the needs of the underprivileged about us goes unheeded; and the list goes on and on. It seems many have adopted a lackadaisical attitude toward their obligations to God and, thereby, have ceased to be fervent in their service, much like those of Revelation 3:15-17.
Jesus, in Matthew 7:13-14, said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Also, in Luke 13:24, He says, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” It is clear from these passages that something extra is required of those who would follow the Savior. Again, Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
Paul describes the Christian journey as a warfare, as we read in Ephesians 6:10-12: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” In verses 13 thru 18, he describes that armour. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
In another place we find the Christian life compared to a foot race, as we read in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, “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. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
Finally, Paul warns that Christian people must not be weary in well doing, as we read in Galatians 6:9-10. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
We sing the song “There Is Much To Do,” and we need to heed its message, as there is no time to waste if we expect to reap that home in Heaven in the after while. How about you? Have you become weary in well doing? We must be active in our Christian walk. –PO Box 821, Milton, WV 25541.