Ready:
"Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” —Hebrews 12:1-2
Set:
The bench. The place where players sit and wait. Most athletes spend some time on the bench. In basketball it’s called “riding the pine”, meaning a player is sitting on the bench and not playing. The view from the bench is rarely desired. If you’re on the bench that means others are in the game, and you’re not. Players on the bench need to be ready so that when your name is called, you “in”, you’re “on”, and you put forth the best effort you’ve got.
Did you know that in the Christian’s life, Jesus said we are in the game – there is no bench.
You are in the game. He said you are the light in the world (Matthew 5:14-16). You are the one others watch. What you do and how you do things is clearly seen by others. Live in such a way, play in such a way, that others will acknowledge what you do and turn and give glory to God.
But there is something even more that you need to see and understand. There is a great number of people from the past who lived their lives for God’s honor and glory, who are now the bench players, who are enthusiastically cheering you on. Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us there is a great number of them, a huge cheering section, encouraging us to live right, be faithful and not give up. They cheer us on because it’s worth everything to keep running the Christian race even though there are difficult times.
You are in the game not on the bench. You are a light in the world. You are bringing light to others, and the bench is cheering you on!
Go:
How can you use your time on the bench for good purposes?
Have you considered Christians who have lived in the past as your teammates and cheerleaders? What are they saying? What encouragement do you need to hear?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Heavenly Father, thank You too for all the Christians who have lived in the past, who are now the bench people and cheerleaders for me. Thank You for the help and hope I receive from them. Give me understanding so that I can live better and run life’s race for You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”