Invitations of Jesus Series: Episode 12 The Race

Hello, my walking friend! Let’s take a second to give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever. Thank you, Jesus, for my walking friend, who wants to do something good for their health and wants to spend time with you! I am grateful for you, friend! Now let’s get on with today’s devotion.

Today is the 12th episode in the Invitations of Jesus series and we are reflecting on Jesus’ invitation to run free.

Our verse to meditate on today is John 8:36 NIV:

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Have you ever been in a race? Maybe you’ve run a marathon. No? Too much? Okay, maybe you have run a 5k? Still too much? Okay, how about a wheelbarrow race? There you g0 – that’s more my style!

The apostle Paul uses a race as a metaphor for our spiritual life. I’m sure he was inspired to use a race because it is so relatable to our human experiences across generations. He encourages us to persist so we can finish the race. He tells us to run like someone racing for a prize. He wants for himself, and for us, to hear the words at the end of our race, well done, my good and faithful servant.

I ran, okay, run is a stretch. No, actually, it would be a lie. I walked fast and jogged a little through a half-marathon. I wanted the prize – a race medal. I wanted to hear my name over the loud speaker above the finish line. I get what Paul was talking about. But I can’t imagine walking and jogging wearing a weight vest and ankle weights. It was hard enough carrying my own weight. Many times I didn’t think I would make it and wanted to give up. Jesus doesn’t want us to run our life race weighted down. He doesn’t want us carrying a backpack full of weight – guilt, shame, sin – as we go through life. He wants us to release that weight to him. He wants to empower us to live holy lives. As our verse today says, if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

So let’s take a little time to meditate on John 8:36:

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Did Jesus reveal anything special to you as you meditated on the verse? I was inspired to write a poem based on Hebrews 12:1-3.  The poem is called The Race and you can read the poem in my poetry devotional entitled, Invitations Poetry Devotional.  

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

Let’s take some time to meditate again on Jesus’ invitation to run free and what that means to us.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Lord,
Help me to remember that I am never running my race alone. You are running alongside me every minute of my race. Lord, give me your power and strength and run well. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms at the finish line. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus, the One who invites me. Amen.

Here are some questions for you to consider:
Do you ever feel like you are running your race alone? Consider that Jesus said, “Lo, I am with you always; even unto the end of the world.” How does this truth make you feel? Take some time to consider your answer now.

Is there anything that is weighing you down? Unrepentant sin? Shame or guilt? Take a moment to confess it to Jesus and let him set you free.

How does it make you feel to know that there is a cloud of witnesses cheering you on so that one day you will hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Consider your answer now.

Before we wrap up, listen to today’s verse one last time John 8:36:

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Remember, he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to Jesus now.

Good job, my friend! Are you feeling encouraged to run your race well? Did you get a dose of persistence to help you keep going? I hope so!

Today’s podcast was adapted from my poetry devotional called Invitations. For information on this devotional, or any Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to LynneLeite.com. You will find the URL for this book and other resources in the podcast show notes.

I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend. In our next episode we will consider another invitation from Jesus. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.