“Then the Pharisees said among themselves, You see how futile your efforts are and how you accomplish nothing. See! The whole world is running after Him!”
(John 12:19, AMP)
What do you chase and pursue? Is it success, power, money, possessions, fame and public recognition? Here, the Pharisees complain that the whole world is running after Jesus. I envision great crowds of people running after Jesus. They are chasing salvation, healing, deliverance, righteousness, peace and joy. Stop and look around today. You will see people running. As a Coach, I often see people who are running from their past, but I do not see many people running to take hold of their future.
Sadly, I don’t see many people running after Jesus. I see people refusing to get up, walking slowly, pausing often, sitting down and resting, taking one step forward and two steps back. When I stop to think about it, I get it. Running is demanding and hard. It takes energy and passion; requires focus, direction, and determination; extracts a price and takes a toll on you. Running can be exhausting and wear you out. It has inherent risks, you might trip and fall.
The Holy Spirit reminds me that running after Jesus is not a quick sprint or 100-yard dash, but a lifetime race, and is far more demanding than any marathon. Running after Jesus often takes place in the midst of storms and trials. It can lead to jeers and taunts from family, friends and coworkers, as they try to get you to stop. It requires that you run through distractions and temptations. It requires you to block out the pain and the negative emotions when you don’t “feel like running.” Running after Jesus is different from any other race you will ever run in life. It has eternal rewards. Only Jesus can offer you the Grand Prize – eternal salvation. I encourage you to decide today to set your eyes on Him and run after Jesus with all you have. When you get tired and want to quit, trust His grace and run. Run into your divine destiny. You’ll be glad you did!
Father, thank you for giving me a heart to run after Jesus. Holy Spirit, help me to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and give me the grace to finish the race and seize the prize. Through the blood of Jesus and in the name of Jesus I pray, amen.
