To Run the Race, and Persevere--Feb. 7, 2021

 

Lord Jesus, you were no stranger to controversy;

opponents seemed to outnumber your supporters,

certainly so, if we consider those who held power.

 

The righteous perished, and no one took it to heart;

many devout souls were taken away — 

it is hard to understand why.

 

But we are surrounded 

by a great cloud of witnesses 

who ran the race set before them — 

ran with perseverance, ignoring suffering.

 

You know how I am made, that I am dust;

grant me strength I do not have

to persevere, while I run

my race for you.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 103; 150; 117; 139

Isa. 57:1-13

Heb. 12:1-6

John 7:37-46

 

Selected Verses

Ps. 103:14

For [the LORD] knows how we were made;
          he remembers that we are dust.

 

Isa. 57:1a

The righteous perish,
          and no one takes it to heart;
the devout are taken away,
          while no one understands.

 

Heb. 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…

 

John 7:43

So there was a division in the crowd because of [Jesus].