Rev. Ray and Pat Amos

1 Corinthians 9:26

DEVOTION FOR TODAY, August 15, 2019

“Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.”

I once knew pastor who was a boxer before he was a preacher. Although his conversion was truly life changing he never lost his instinct to throw a punch. There was one man who attributed his salvation to that preacher’s boxing skills. It seems that he was in an alcoholic state and was abusing his wife when he met the “man of the cloth.” Let’s just say that Saul of Tarsus was not the only one to get knocked down a sinner, and then back up talking to Jesus.

The Apostle Paul may not have been a boxer, but he did make reference to it. He spoke of staying spiritually fit like an athlete or boxer would do: “Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.”

He taught us that this was necessary because we have a daily fight on our hands. He spoke of the messengers of Satan who were always there to buffet him. It is a boxing term that refers to the punches that are intended to wear the opponent down. We are well acquainted with them. They are things like unkind words and criticism that come out of nowhere; the unexpected bills, the worries, the accident, trouble at work; you know: all those frustrations that keep punching your soul.

Jesus understands because He too was buffeted: “And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him…” (Mark 14:65). He also knew that He would be the one who would give the devil the knock-out punch.

We may be beaten down by things that happen in life, but we also can be assured that there is a crown for the faithful who trust Christ.

“I have fought a good fight … Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Grace and Peace, Rev Ray

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