Christianity is always about a team effort, and the return of Christ determines our finish line. In a relay race, the first runners only win once the last runner crosses the finish line. This tree is never planted for shade in your generation but only for subsequent ones.

It is the only record we have of Abraham planting anything. Abraham was making a statement that the promise through Isaac would come to fruition in future generations of God’s people. He received the promise by faith, which was counted to him as righteousness. Is this not how we should live?

Our scripture reference tells us that these great men of faith can only receive their prize if we, and if the Lord tarries, future generations finish our race. We often become discouraged because of failures and disappointments, but God accomplishes his purposes despite our shortcomings. Look at the Patriarchs, parts of their stories read like a soap opera, yet God was able to shape the Jewish nation through them. You are never a failure unless you stop believing God has a plan that includes you.

Some of us play more significant parts, and others smaller ones. God puts some of us on his lapel and others in his pocket. It doesn’t matter the nature of our task if we finish it and hand the baton to the next generation, eventually bringing back the King. Only then will we all receive our prize.

As it says at the end of the book, Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20 NLT)