The Runners

Introduction Have you ever noticed how many people in the Bible ran? I realized this one morning during my devotions while reading the story in Genesis where Hagar, fleeing from Sarai, had a divine encounter with God. I’ve read that story many times, but that morning, the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to seeing her story in a new light. He also reminded me about others like Jacob, Moses, David, Elijah, and Jonah, who also ran. They ran from difficult situations, from responsibility, and even for their lives. That’s when I felt God directing me to write this study. A closer look at the lives of these individuals offers valuable lessons for all of us. The definition of the verb run is to move at a speed faster than a walk, never having both feet on the ground at the same time, or pass quickly or smoothly in a particular direction. Run, as a noun, is defined as an act or spell of running, a journey accomplished, or a route taken by a vehicle, aircraft, or boat, especially on a regular basis. You can go on a run, run in circles, run out of time, be on the run, run around, run with the wrong crowd, run into trouble, and on and on it goes until we have run it into the ground. In short, there is a lot of running going on! My dad used to say that when he was a Marine, Uncle Sam made him run, and that no one would make him run again. I have heard other people say that if you see them running, you should probably start running too because they only run to get away from something. Some people love to run. Some even go so far as to say they are addicted to running. That’s not me! Sometimes I think I would like to try it, so when I am out walking my dog, I run a little. Inevitably, I end up shaking my head and saying to myself that I still don’t understand why anyone would choose to run, especially for 26.2 miles! But guess what? None of us is getting away from this running thing. The scriptures say that we are all runners; as believers, we have a race to run. The author of Hebrews tells us in chapter 12 that we should throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Paul uses running in a race as a metaphor for the Christian life. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, he states, 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. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. Since he was writing to the Corinthians, Paul likely used this metaphor because his audience would have been familiar with the Isthmian Games that were held in Corinth. These games were second only to the Olympic Games. The winners received a wreath of wild celery or pine, a crown that would not last. Paul wanted those who heard his message to understand that the most important crown was the one they would receive for living for God. As Paul mentioned, the race competitors went into strict training. As believers, we study God’s Word to train ourselves to know how God wants us to run the races He has marked out for us. As you reflect on the successes and struggles of these Old Testament runners and relate them to your own journey, you will be better equipped to run the extraordinary race God has designed for you. This study spans six weeks and includes five interactive lessons each week. On days one through four, we will explore the portion of scripture that tells the story and reflect on how to apply its lessons to our lives. Prayer points to guide or inspire your personal prayer are provided at the end of each of these days. On the fifth day, we will revisit each person's journey to draw deeper insights from their story. A concluding prayer will end each week. Except where noted, the New International Version is used for scripture references. You won’t need running shoes for this training; grab a pencil or a pen, your Bible, and this book, and settle into your favorite place to study God’s Word. Let’s get started!