You know something?  This morning, for the first time in my life, I discovered that in the New Testament, only Jesus and the apostle Paul use the expression, “I press on” [Luke 13:33, Philippians 3:12, 14]. It suggests they know exactly what they are after and that they plan to pursue it with utmost determination, steadfastness, and endurance.

So how do we press on today? The author of Hebrews [12:1-2] says we need to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” Then we need to fix “our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” Paul could say: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” [3:14]. In other words, he has no intention of slowing down, slipping away, or giving up. Instead, Paul can imagine himself leaning into the finish line and receiving the prize. For Paul, the finish line was either by death or by Christ’s return – “to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far.” Either way, he planned to enter glory with joy straight into the arms of Jesus. As always, Jesus Christ sets the example: “for the joy set before him [Jesus] endured the cross” [Hebrews 12:2].

Now, more than ever, let’s keep pressing on. Let’s do today exactly what He told us to do: Let’s proclaim the Good News so that “Whoever believes in Him has eternal life.” And that is sheer pleasure until the Lord calls us home. So do it today.

This is Luis Palau.