Gospel Reflections #445: As we run, Jesus shares the yoke with us

1 Corinthians 9:24 “Do you not know that everyone who runs in the arena runs, but only one receives the prize? Everyone who runs in the arena runs, but only one receives the prize. Run so that you too may receive the prize."

Paul often compares walking by faith to running a race.

No one is forced to train for a race in order to win. They train willingly and with self-discipline because they have a goal of winning a prize.

Christians are long-distance runners and steeplechase competitors.

But the path of faith is not so much a race as it is a path of self-denial.

We can get to the starting point of the path of faith by knowing God and believing in the atonement of the cross of Jesus. This is the starting point where we grow as saved people and children of God.

There is no dropping out or disqualification on this path. It is all of God's children who will receive the prize (Jesus will come for us).

So there is no need to compete with anyone, and it is okay to rest or walk along the way.

Besides, since Jesus shares the yoke with us on the path of faith, we need only lean on Him and go on.

We cannot help but tell how Jesus carries us along every step of the path of faith, and we tell them with joy.

Seeing us like this, those who do not yet know God will be drawn to join us on the path of faith.

This is the law of God's love!

AUTHOR'S BIO: This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, who resides in Hiroshima, Japan. Masae is a dedicated student of the Bible with a deep passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on Gospel perspectives to reach out to others and spread the message of God's true love through a Christ-centered approach. We are sharing her insights here so that you, too, can experience the joy that comes from knowing and understanding the true Gospel and the love of God through Jesus Christ.