2 Timothy 4:7 AMPC
I have fought the good (worthy, honourable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith.
Ecclesiastes 9:11
Again I looked throughout the earth and saw that the swiftest person does not always win the race, nor the strongest man the battle, and that wise men are often poor, and skilful men are not necessarily famous; but it is all by chance, by happening to be at the right place at the right time.
Well, the Olympics are upon us, for lovers of various sports, it's great, for others it's a bore.
During these strange times, the spectators are limited, not a lot of crowds are cheering them on.
Races of all kinds are taking place. Yesterday was a bike road race in the shadow of Mt. Fugi - an arduous course. There was a collision of bikes and some of the favourites fell.
As we see, in the Bible, the race isn't always to the most talented or skilful.
There are many circumstances and obstacles to negotiate before our race on earth is run.
The Apostle Paul spent his life, following his dramatic conversion, spreading the gospel of Jesus.
In the passage above, he proclaims he has finished well and kept the faith.
Conversely, there's a sad account of King Asa in 2 Chronicles 14 to 16. He started out so well, following the Lord with his whole heart, tearing down pagan shrines and restoring right worship of the Lord. God gave him great victories over his enemies, when he asked for His help. He even defeated a huge Ethiopian army when vastly outnumbered, because the Lord was with him!
Alas, for some reason in later life, he sought the help of man, instead of relying on God. The result was that he didn't finish well. Then Judah descended into conflict. He died with a rotting foot disease.
Let's keep our eyes on the prize, fixing our gaze on Jesus, when we are so near the finish line. Don't give up resting your whole trust on the Lord.
Hebrews describes our time on this planet like being in a spiritual marathon, with those who have gone before, cheering us on from the great beyond.
We've all seen the end of an Olympic marathon where the runners end up for the closing lap in the arena and the crowds roar them on to greater effort towards the finishing line.
We have such a crowd rooting for us too! That's so encouraging. Just imagine, Peter, Paul, Moses, Elijah, cheering you on in your walk with God. Of course, the chief cheer leader is our wonderful Lord Jesus - be inspired - He's the greatest coach of the entire cosmos.
Hebrews 12
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
If you've had a fall, pick yourself up and get back in the race.
C'mon everyone, let's finish well!
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