Whoever thought a race would have to be run with patience, not in the real world. Races are typically run with speed,precision and determination. The concept of running with patience is rather foreign . So when the Master says to run the race marked out for you with patience, what exactly does he mean?
Again this race requires that we lay aside every form of distraction as we are surrounded by numerous witnesses, who are they we ask ourselves to whom its important that no weakness whatsoever is seen in the runners. Are they heavenly beings, or earthly spectators. Whatever conclusion we come with does not change the criterion of the race. If it requires a sufficient dose of patience, its not wrong to assume then that the race is metaphorically used for a journey with probable stops necessary. Places that the pilgrim is refueled, tested & tried, places of revelation totally required for the knowledge of the author of the journey. have you ever considered what it would be like taking a journey to a place unknown, without assurance of even reaching the place. surely you would ask yourself questions like-where am i going, who will be there to meet me, where are places of refreshment???
The Master makes this clear by creating stops on this journey, sometimes places of green pastures lightly embanked with streams of water beautifully calm and promising, full of replenishment clearly scented with life and hope. the shepherd guiding and guarding. Then as though accurately punctuated are valleys with shadows of death filing the air with the 'aroma' of death, the guide still running along side. your strides by this time have evenly slowed, your mind believing the race has come to an end. The finishing line is far in sight, actually not i sight your human mind telling you, this is it but you still here the strides of others going past probably heavier sounding than those. so you convince yourself there are still miles to run.
you lift your eyes up, behold there is a staff and rod your mind jogs its memory and nowhere does it make mention of sheep feeding what only makes sense now is that the rod and staff must have something to do with you. so you cheer up because suddenly you are not alone.
Before long the mist clears and you start to see tables laden with such goodness, the valley now dimmed in the dark ahead of you familiar faces fellow travelers, you hear the sounds of cheering and joy the end is here, but not so quick there is a feast, tables laid out and the arousing atmosphere of victory.
on the center of the table is a mighty jug of oil.....my my!! its anointing oil, you feel the soothing sensation as it flows down your face, your heart lighting up with assurance of goodness and mercy. You are here- its the father's house and you will dwell here forever, this is it forever. So pilgrim now you know, the race requires lots of patience.
The end is not as far as it seems
