I think we all remember the sports days of our early childhood, where everyone ran, regardless of perceived talent. These occasions also had the obligatory Mom and Dad’s races and although my mother never ran (I have no idea why, now that I look back on it), I still remember the frantic holding of my breath watching my dad, the silent wish for him not to fall, like some dads did. I don’t recall him ever winning a race though 😊.
Like the rest of the world, I watched the closing celebration of the Olympics, mesmerized by the sheer extravagance of the fireworks display as repeated showers of golden sparks brightened up the inky night sky of Paris and then, just like that, it was all over – at least for us, the observers! Of course, it’s different for the athletes. Some have gone home discouraged, leaving that competitive world behind, while others have gone home jubilant, their names already printed on the pages of sports history as record breakers and champions. However, the vast majority is made up of athletes who didn’t quite make it this time but are already looking at how they can improve their own performance, because their goal still is recognition and a medal, preferably the coveted gold! 😊
It’s interesting that the NT is full of athletic references, and over the ages, Christians have written and sung many a song that rejoiced in this truth – we are training for battle on this earth, and we are running for something eternal, something heavenly. There is no 1st, 2nd or 3rd because by choosing to run this race we are already qualified for THE prize and running it to the very end guarantees us a joy we can hardly comprehend. Each day, as we keep going, in good times and through difficult moments, we run to hear these words from the Lord of our lives and the author of our calling: “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful……Let’s celebrate together!”
It is our greatest privilege to run as children of the King while we live here on this old earth, the eager representatives of his Kingdom. If we should stumble and fall, we don’t give up. No! We have fallen to our knees, and while on those bruised knees the Holy Spirit shows us the cause – if we let him. Then, we repent, get up again and keep going. As Paul puts it in 2 Timothy 4:8 (I really love the way this translation puts it!): “This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting—God’s applause! Depend on it, he’s an honest judge. He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.”
I have no earthly trophies to display on my mantlepiece, and the only medals I have are in my jewelry box, but this I know for a fact, if I complete this race – and by the grace of God I have every intention of doing so – I will one day wear a victor’s crown!
