Scripture readings
Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain, and outran the Cushite.
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. - I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and not forsake them.
A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray. - Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth; the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” - Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, ... let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
2 Sam 18:23 - 1 Cor 9:24; Isa 42:16 - Isa 35:8; Isa 40:4-5 - John 14:6; Heb 10:19-22 - Ps 25:8
Suggested additional reading: Isaiah 35
Meditation
Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and outran the Cushite. - 2 Samuel 18:23
When cross-country running, fitness isn't everything. An important consideration is also the type of terrain route we are crossing. A fast runner across hills and valleys won't maintain the same speed as a slower runner over level ground. How is it with my spiritual journey, am I labouring up the hill of my own works and down into the ravines of my own humiliations and resolutions, or do I run by the plain way of “Believe and live”? How blessed is it to wait upon the Lord by faith! Along the path of faith and trust the soul runs without weariness, and walks without fainting. Christ Jesus is the way of life, and He is a plain way, a pleasant way, a way suitable for the tottering feet and feeble knees of fearful sinners:. Am I running my life on this way or am I trying to find my way along tracks suggested by religious teachers, priests and humanists based on upright morals?
I read of the way of holiness, “the unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray.” Isa 35:8-9. Have I been delivered from proud reason and been brought as a little child to rest in Jesus’ love and blood? Some may think me a fool, but by God’s grace I shall outrun the strongest runner who chooses any other path. Remember which path you are running on amidst the daily cares and needs. It's not the path of man's recommendation but the path of faith in Christ. Go at once to God with your worries and concerns, don't wander in a roundabout manner to this friend and that. Your God knows your needs and can relieve them. Who better to go to by the direct appeal of prayer and the plain argument of His promise. Looking straight ahead makes the best runner. I won't delay in chatting with the servants but will go directly to their master. Remember the Scripture's exhortation: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it”. 1 Cor 9:24 Lord, help me to gird up the loins of my mind, and may I press forward towards the mark for the prize of my high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. Ps 27:11
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