Sunday, 26th February 2023

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: PRESS ON

THEME SCRIPTURE: I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)

 

PREPARATORY QUESTION:

1. What does it mean to press on for the prize of the high-calling?

 

It is always interesting to watch a boxing bout or a 5000-meters race in the final round. In the final round most, if not all the contestants, are tired and yet it is also the moment they have to decide their place in the race or the fight. There have been instances where the lead runner was overtaken by the last and the losing boxer took on a new strength to finish hard and well. Precious one, Jesus is coming again, and it will not be about how we started but how we end, at His appearing.

Remember, all is well when it ends well, and the end of a matter is better than the beginning.

It is for this reason Apostle Paul was determined to press on to the finish line because the prize can only be presented to the man who crossed the finish line. The children of Israel left Egypt for the Promise land but not all made it. Some, at the border of the Promised Land, decided to return to Egypt (Num 14:4). Beloved in Christ, to press on towards the mark (finish line) for the prize of the high calling is to be determined never to be deterred with your Christian calling. In Christ, we have two main callings – the call to be ambassadors (physical representatives) of the invisible Christ and the call of a specific divine assignment.

The former has to do with you showing forth the excellencies, virtues, wonderful deeds and perfections of Christ (1 Peter 2:9). It is a call to the highest form of character and virtues. Such that, if someone encounters you or does business with you or entrusts a project in your hands, he has no choice but to ask, “Are you a Christian”. The latter has to do with your specific assignment within the body of Christ. As the body has a nose, ear, hands, eyes, etc. so each one of us has a role within the body of Christ. Hence, Paul said concerning Apostle Peter as the one to whom the gospel of circumcision has been committed whiles he has been committed with the gospel of the uncircumcision (Gal 2:7).

It may be that the gospel of prisoners, or the gospel of the sick has been committed to you.

We can know better our calling and fully realize it if only we can continue to press on, in the face of changing times. Today, it is more costly to be vocal with your Christian ideals, yet press on. It can be expensive to stay true to our Christian calling in the marketplace, workplace, boardroom and the courtroom yet press on. We are sailing against contrary winds and swimming against the current of the waters yet press on. Sometimes, it is tiredness. Good Christians get tired of remaining faithful without seeing any physical reward and yet unfaithful people seem to be doing well financially or in their careers (or business).

Look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. The ultimate reward of faithfulness is in the hands of God who will give it to us at the return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Precious One, don’t give up; press on. The going sometimes may be too rough, yet to get going we will need to be tough. If our focus is fixed enough, on He who is able to do all things, we will not buy the idea of backing off. Choose not to be lukewarm but be instant in season and out of season; press on.

FURTHER READING – Luke 16:16

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. The Christian life is not immune to difficult times. Like David, we are to encourage ourselves in the Lord. How have you been encouraging yourself in the Lord?

 

CONFESSION

Precious Father, thank you for the sufficiency of your grace. I affirm that you are working within me this day, to will and do your good pleasure. I possess the strength to withstand and sail through all contrary winds. I am more than a conqueror. Glory to God!

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Exodus 39; Exodus 40; Psalm 102; 1 Corinthians 10;