Week Two Day 4: Running through the Bible

As suggested, today I have been considering a few verses about running and races in the Bible. The most relevant references are of course those in Paul's other writings, as he uses this race metaphor a lot, and has a similar thing in view each time, but it was interesting to see how some of the Psalms fit in well also. (By the way, there are lots of verses about running water in Leviticus, but that is not in view here!)

For by You I can run against a troop, By my God I can leap over a wall.  

Psalm 18:29

...the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

Psalm 19 4b-5.

I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.         

Psalm 119:32

For their [sinners] feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

Proverbs 1:16

I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. 12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. 13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

Proverbs 4:11-13

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

And they [the women at the tomb] departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

Mat 28:8

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 20:24

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

I Cor 9:24-27

And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

Galatians 2:2

Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

Galatians 5:7

Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Philippians 2:14-16

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

II Tim 4:7-8

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Hebrews 12:1-3

Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

I Pet 4:4

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

Jude 11