The New Testament offers many analogies to describe the habits, duties, and aspirations of those who seek the Kingdom of God.

In the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews, the author uses the analogy of running a race.

There are numerous Biblical references to the “race”:

Hebrews 12:1 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…

1 Corinthians 9:24 – Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

Isaiah 40:31 – But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

2 Timothy 4:7 – I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

1 Corinthians 9:26 – So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.

Psalm 119:32 – I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!

This reference to running, and training for running, is employed in a Sunday School postcard.

On the face, two young men have taken their mark at a line on an oval track.

A clumsy verse exhorts the “runners” that they “must take your place” at the “starting line” which is the Sunday School.

The postcard was published by the “G. & W. Company” of New York City.

This image is from the “Absentee” series -suggesting that the postcard was intended as a reminder to those who missed Sunday School.

Fortunately, the postcard was never mailed – so we must assume that every scholar was training diligently at the weekly Sunday School.