Running With Jesus With Prof. Boaz Esimerkki

Proverbs 15:31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. In the NIV, the word which is translated as “heed,” is a crucial Hebrew virtue. It is the word Shema . Sometimes it is translated, I think inappropriately, as “obey.” It is the first prayer which is recited in synagogues even today, “ Shema Israel , Hear O Israel!” (Deuteronomy 6:4). The first task of a follower of Jesus the Messiah, the Great Marathon Runner, is to hear. In my marathon runs, I have had to learn this skill. A marathon is 26.2 miles. It is a long run. I have seen a tendency among amateur runners to wear earphones– sometimes very large earphones. They are lost in their own world of music– sometimes very loud music, which other fellow runners can hear. The marathon organizers make it clear in their race package that this is not allowed. But amateur runners could not care less about this rule. There is a reason behind this rule. Marathon runners must be completely conscious of their run. They have to be completely conscious of their surroundings, the needs and wants of their fellow-runners, etc. There have been times when I have tried to warn a runner about a large pothole, or some other danger, and they would not pay any attention to what I was saying. Many times they would just acknowledge me with a smile, but not really hear what I was saying. Our Verse of the Day asks us to Shema , Hear, with complete attention and care. Hear what? The next words seem like a contradiction in terms- “life-giving reprimand or reproach.” This is something no one wants to hear. But a good runner must hear. I have learned from so many runners. They would reprimand me and say, “You are not striking your foot right. You will ruin your knees.” Yes, this has happened during marathon runs! I am so thankful that I heard their reprimand because I am still running! How much more must we constantly hear the voice of reprimand of the Great Marathon runner, Jesus the Messiah! A Prayer: Oh LORD Jesus, the great Marathon runner, I am here to hear. Please speak those words of life-giving reprimand.