Several things came to mind when I first got the topic; The Best Time to Run. Considering the current wave of election stories with many politicians indicating their interest to vie for a post: Politicians are tagged to be running for a position. Every ambitious politician seeks for the best time to run. Well this is not the kind of race this message is about.
Another race that readily comes to mind is that which concerns sport, competition, and keeping fit. This text is not particular about what time of the day to jog, or engage in sports that concerns running. Not at all! Sure there are many kinds of races we can refer to but this message is concerned about the race for salvation. And as St. Paul points out:
As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8
The race of salvation is the race for life; race for the crown of glory. But assuredly, in order to make this race for salvation, there is another kind of race; which in my own words is –termed as the best race. It is like several parts of a relay race which ultimately ends with the race for salvation. This race concerns the running away from sin. The best time to run is when you are running away from sin. And the most referenced biblical verse / story is that of Joseph:
Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!”
But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.
One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. Gen: 39: 9-12
Yes, sin is lurking and always demanding to have us, so what do we do? Many of us are quick to make excuses why we fall into sin. We make pity story why we are taken advantaged off, or why we had to give in to some evil; because we were dependent on our aggressor or tempter. The story above about Joseph is uniquely interesting because we find a slave who blatantly refuses the request of his master’s wife, because he was more concerned about the greatest master – God (How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God).
When we are boxed in a corner to engage in some kind of sin, what’s your defence? Do you try to wriggle out of temptation by explaining away your decision not to sin – based on your wisdom; or do you find some moral reasons not to fall into sin; or still, do you weigh your options and try to follow the lesser evil? I think we can learn from Joseph today. His reason was based on his conviction that God is the greatest master and greatest judge; who can kill the soul. Hence, Joseph needed not fear he that could kill his body and not the soul. So what did Joseph do? He ran away from the temptation that could overcome him – he ran away from sin!
We now know the best time to run; when we find sin desiring to have us, then we must rule over it or run away from it. Gen 4:7 There are of course many other biblical references that points to the need to stay away from sin. We are advised to abstain, flee, treat it like a snake, and make no provision to for the works of the flesh. Let’s go through the following biblical references:
Abstain from all appearance of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22
Flee from sin as from a snake; for if you approach sin, it will bite you. Sirach 21:2
Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22
Therefore, my friends, flee from the worship of idols. 1 Corinthians 10:14
Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its flesh. Romans 13:14
Sin separates us from God and it is advisable to stay away from anything that would separate you from God. Sin is always trying to have you, if you can’t have control over your situation – run! And that’s just the best time to run…
Prayer
Heavenly Father, God of heaven and earth, you who desire our perfection and holiness, I love you above all things and I come to you today. Deliver me from all evil and help me to flee from all that would separate me from you. In Jesus name I pray, amen!