Scripture uses 'running a race' terminology several times. "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." (1 Cor. 9:24). "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you?" (Gal. 5:7). "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Tim. 4:7). These three passages speak of 'running to win' the race in our Christ journey. In our culture, this mentality appeals to us. We all want to win. We all want to be the one lifted on the shoulders of others and hailed as victor. But as Christians, this is not the race we are called to run.
Our race is the one where we run faithful to our life calling for Jesus' sake. Paul said in Acts 20:24, "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." In Christ, the race we are to run is not so that we may win, but that others may win -- for them to hear and receive free message of salvation through Jesus' death and resurrection so that THEY may be exalted. This is our race! "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Cor. 5:20-21).
Our race is to be faithful messengers of His grace. Just as Fernández Anaya sacrificed his own victory by staying behind Abel Mutai pointing and guiding him the way to the finish line, we are called to offer our lives to others in that same way. Why? Because this is what Jesus did for us -- for me. I am saved unto eternal life because my Savior died for my sin and guilt. He suffered eternal's torment in my place so that I may receive eternal joy in the presence of God. Jesus 'came in second' so that I may be the first son before our heavenly Father. Hear Jesus' second prayer in the garden the night before He died on the cross for me (re-worded just for me), "Father, if it is not possible for [David's guilt] to be taken away unless I drink it, may Your will be done." (Matt. 26:42). Jesus ran His race unto death so that I may win my race unto life. How could I live in this life running any other race but the one where I may point the way of victory in Christ to others.
The writer of Hebrews encourages us in this life race by saying, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1-3).
