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 NIV)

The apostle uses a two-fold picture to describe zeal in sanctification: the racetrack and also the competition.  Athletic contest was popular amongst the Greeks. The athletes demonstrated their talents. The runner showed off his fleet feet, the strong man his power and agility of his limbs. Each one pitched his own strengths against another to establish the best and ultimate winner. Whoever reached the goalposts first, succeeded victoriously. Whoever managed to pin the other down, would carry the crown of victory.

The apostle uses this popular imagery in his letter to the Corinthians. He compares life with a racetrack.  The crown of victory is comparable to the eternal award of grace, that awaits us finally at the gateway to heaven. Whoever wants to receive the eternal reward then, must persist until the very end of life and until he/she reaches the gates of eternity.

Lord, our God! You have placed us into a serious time full of weighty decisions. There is a fight going on, a war for and against Your truth and kingdom. Our conscience accuses us, that in this battle we have lacked in zeal and faithfulness. Grant us to regain clarity and new commitment and faithful decisions. Let us run in the way of Your commandments. Amen. (O. Michaelis)

Rise! To arms! With prayer employ you, O Christians, lest the Foe destroy you, For Satan has designed your fall. Wield God’s Word, a weapon glorious! Against each foe you’ll be victorious; Our God will set you o’er them all. Is Satan strong and fell? Here is Immanuel. Sing hosanna! The strong ones yield, With Christ our Shield, And we as conqueror’s hold the field.

Cast afar this world’s vain pleasures, Aye, boldly fight for heavenly treasures, And steadfast be in Jesus’ might. He will help, whate’er betide you, And naught will harm with Christ beside you; By faith you’ll conquer in the fight. Then shame, thou weary soul! Look forward to the goal: There joy waits thee. The race, then, run; The combat done, Thy crown of glory will be won. (Wilhelm Erasmus Arends, 1677-1721. Translated by Richard Jordan)

(Translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Tuesday after the Sunday Septuagesiame as found on Pg. 98 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and puplished in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.)