Verse
Philippians 3:13-14 – “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Meditation
The Christian life is a race, not a leisurely walk. Paul urges believers to press forward, leaving behind the burdens of past sin and failure, not looking back in regret but fixing their eyes on Christ. The prize is not earthly success but the heavenly call of God in Christ—the crown of righteousness prepared for those who remain steadfast. In Christ, we run with endurance, knowing that the victory has already been won for us at the cross.
Old Testament
Isaiah 43:18-19 – “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”
The Lord calls His people to look ahead, trusting in His promise of renewal. Just as Paul exhorts believers to press on, Isaiah reminds us that God is always at work, leading His people toward His greater purpose.
Collect
O Lord, who calls us ever forward in faith, grant that we may not be weighed down by past sins or hindered by worldly distractions, but by Your grace, strengthen us to press on toward the prize of eternal life in Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Hymn Verse
"I'm but a stranger here,
Heav’n is my home;
Earth is a desert drear,
Heav’n is my home.
Danger and sorrow stand
Round me on ev’ry hand;
Heav’n is my fatherland,
Heav’n is my home."
— I’m But a Stranger Here – LSB 748:1
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