The Bible often mentions athletics. That first-century world had its “Olympics”—not with the ancient duplications of the marathon from Greek culture, but the Romans regularly had sporting events where athletes competed with one another. Paul speaks of one fighting (boxing) not as one just throwing punches into the air, but one who faced the opposition head on (1 Cor. 9:26). The writer of Hebrews described runners who removed the weights from their body which they had used in training but then removed for the actual competition (Heb. 12:1). Let’s look at four times running is found in the Bible.
They Ran To Jesus
We know the story of the rich, young ruler who came to Jesus and was told to sell all he had. He wanted Jesus’ answer so much that he came running to Jesus (Mark 10:17). On another occasion, just before Jesus fed the 5,000, He departed with his disciples in a boat. The people from all the cities actually anticipated where He was going and ran to be there when He arrived (Mark 6:33). Oh, that our world would see Him this way and run toward Him. Oh, that all my brethren would run to Him!
They Ran Away From Jesus
Think about the events on Passover night and all that happened in Gethsemane. The mob approached sleeping disciples and praying Jesus, and Judas betrayed Him with a kiss. Though Peter temporarily defended Him, the situation got so bad that “then all the disciples forsook Him and fled” (Matt. 26:56). How tragic! When He could have called thousands and thousands of angels, He had to face death by Himself. God, help us to never run away from Him!
Jesus Runs To Us
To see Jesus is to see the Father and to see the Father is to see Jesus. They are the same in nature. Jesus beautifully describes the love of fathers (and by application describes the love of the Father) in the story of the prodigal son. Put yourself in the place of that wayward son as he approached his father, and imagine what he felt when he saw the father running toward Him. Now imagine yourself coming to the Savior and the joy to see Him running to us!
We Run With Jesus
They were told, “I will be with you until the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). When they carried the gospel to the lost, they were never without Him—not even once. He promises us that He will never leave us nor forsake us. His presence assures us that heaven will do all it can in helping us in His work. Do not cower in fear. Boldly stand with Him. Let’s run to Him as He runs toward us and with us. Victory is assured!