Philippians 3:12 “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
To “press”, in this context, is to run with all possible speed toward the “mark” (finish line), overcoming great obstacles and hindrances along the way. Many years ago, when I was a young teenage boy, a friend and I were hunting rabbits, at night, in swampy woods near his home. As we were walking through a dried-up pond, his little dog was just ahead of us, looking for rabbits. All of a sudden, the little dog turned and ran back toward the house at full speed. We knew that something wasn’t right, recently black panthers had been killing livestock in the area. Then, we spotted a pair of eyes in the tree line that, to us, looked as big as washtubs. My friend was quite hefty, but we immediately pressed “toward the mark” (his house) at full speed. There were down trees and fences in our way; nevertheless, we pressed right on. Being young and in good shape, I leapt over the down trees and fences with considerable ease. Concerned for my friend, I looked over my shoulder, and there he was, hoisting his hefty frame over all the obstacles; for he also was pressing “toward the mark”. When we arrived at “the mark”, there was his little dog waiting for us. Similarly, as we “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”, we can expect all kinds of obstacles and trials and setbacks and disappointments and troubles etc.; nevertheless, faithful Children of God, focus intently upon that blessed and holy “mark” of our obedient service to our Lord. While, close behind us, “the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things” (Acts 4:25); at the “mark” we are sure to find sweet and refreshing “rest” (Matthew 11:28) and “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23) in the safe and secure arms of our “good shepherd” (John 10:11)! – There was another time when I simply could run no more, but my loving “good shepherd” came to me, picked me up, and carried me to the “mark”!