[Songs in the Night - May 22]
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1
EACH one on this racecourse should examine himself,
rather than examine others, in respect to progress
in this narrow way; for each knows his own heart
condition and the weaknesses of his own flesh better
than any other knows these, the Lord alone excepted.
Let us each note just where he is in the racecourse,
rejoicing that he is in the race at all; considering it a
great privilege to be thus called and privileged to enter
in this race.
If we find that we have passed the first
quarter mark, let us rejoice and press on.
If we find
that we have passed the second also, let us rejoice so
much the more, but not slack our running.
If we find
that we have passed the third quarter we may properly
rejoice so much the more, and press with vigor on;
and if we have attained to the fourth mark of perfect
love, which includes even enemies, we have indeed
cause for great rejoicing.
The prize is ours if we but
remain faithful.
But, as the apostle says, "Having done
all, stand"—with all the armor on; stand in various
testings which will then, as much as ever along the
racecourse, be brought to bear against us to divert us
away from the mark, before the great Inspector and
Giver of rewards shall say, "Well done, thou good and
faithful servant: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Z'01-10 R2755:5 (Hymn 164)