I PRESS TOWARD THE MARK

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

FEBRUARY 3
 
Philippians 3:14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the
high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
 

The believer is a racer.

 

He has a prize set before him, even the perfection of knowledge, holiness, and happiness.

 

His course is marked out by God’s holy word. It lies through difficulties, foes, and trials. He has a mark on which to fix his eye, at which to aim; to arrive at which he should daily strive.

 

His mark is Jesus in his holy exemplary life.

 

We aim to be like him.

 

To oppose sin, overcome Satan, conqueror the world, bear troubles, endure trails, and do good, as he did. He ran his race, keeping “the joy set before him” in view; he arrived at his mark, won his crown, and is now seated as conqueror at God’s right hand.

 

He is our pattern and example.

 

On him the eye and the heart should be set, after conformity to him we should press; laying aside every weight, and the easily besetting sin, we should run the race set before us, looking unto Jesus.

 

We should, like the apostle, pursue one object, keep to the point, press toward the mark.

 

This will ensure the prize, for Jesus says, “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”

 
The moment we begin our race,
We must the Saviuor’s cause embrace,
Press toward the mark, the prize obtain,
And then with Christ in glory reign.
 

James Smith