Keep Your Eyes On The Prize

In pointing out to the Corinthian Christians the need to endure in the race for life, Paul mentioned another aspect of the Isthmian Games that was worthy of their attention. Regarding the contestants in those games, Paul wrote: "Now they, of course, [run] that they may get a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one. Therefore, the way I am running is not uncertainly; the way I am directing my blows is so as not to be striking the air." ( 1 Corinthians 9:25, 26) The victor's prize in those ancient games was a crown, or wreath, made of pine or other plants, or even of dried wild celery-truly a "corruptible crown." What, though, awaits Christians who endure to the end?

Referring to our Exemplar, Jesus Christ, the apostle Paul wrote: "For t he joy that was set before him he endured a torture stake despising shame, and has sat down a the right hand of God." (Hebrews 12:2) Jesus endured to the end of his human life by looking beyond the torture stake to his reward, which includes the joy he has in contributing to the sanctification of Jehovah's name, in ransoming the human family from death, and in ruling as King and High Priest as he restores obedient humans to endless life on a paradise earth. -Matthew 6:9, 10; 20:28; Hebrews 7:23-26.

Consider the joy that is set before us as we pursue the course of Christian discipleship. Jehovah has given us the deeply satisfying work of preaching the good news of God's Kingdom and of imparting the life-saving knowledge of the Bible to others. (Matthew 28:19, 20) What a delight it is to find someone interested in the true God and to help that one enter the race for life! And regardless of the response of the people to whom we preach, it is a privilege to have a share in the work connected with the sanctification of Jehovah's name. when we endure in the ministry despite indifference or opposition on the part of those in our witnessing territory, we have the joy of making Jehovah's heart glad. (Proverbs 27:11) And the grand reward he promises us in everlasting life. What a joy that will be! We need to keep these blessings in sight and persist in the race.

Next time:As The End Draws Closer

Watchtower, 1999