A Pastoral Word. . . Run Well
Pastor Kevin Freeman
July 25, 2024
With the Olympic games set to begin in Paris, all eyes will soon turn to international competition and the athletic prowess of elite competitors from all over the world. We know to expect spectacular performances, exciting victories, and heart-wrenching defeats. I learned of a recent stunning – and unnecessary – defeat in the U18 European Athletics Championships held the other week in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia.
While not part of the Olympics, these teen athletes represented some of the best from their countries. Among them was Jake Odey-Jordan, who competed in the 200-meter race. Odey-Jordan put on some impressive, blazing speed that quickly distinguished him as the leader in the pack.
But inexplicably, after the final turn, Odey-Jordan let up and began jogging with 50 meters left to go. He apparently had become confused and thought he had already crossed the finish line. Half of the other runners caught up to and passed him before he finished the race, leading to his disqualification.
I feel for Odey-Jordan, but he is not alone. Many Christians who run their race for the Lord ease up in their faith, thinking their race completed when they still have a distance to go. In Hebrews 12:1, we are told to “run with endurance the race God has set before us.” This tendency to let up can occur toward the end of our lives, but it can also happen in various endeavors that God calls us to: marriage, parenting, church attendance, giving, neighborliness, sharing the gospel, prayer.
Where have you let up lately? What God-ordained pursuits have received minimal effort recently?
Our one-year Bible reading group covered the story of Hezekiah this week (you can read Hezekiah’s story in 2 Kings 18-20). This courageous king of Judah restored worship of the Lord and abolished idolatry. He relied solely on God’s protection amid the onslaught of Sennacherib’s overwhelming army. Because of this, the people of Judah saw God’s hand of deliverance.
However, toward the end of Hezekiah’s life – which was miraculously extended – the king became proud and essentially showed off his great wealth to visiting dignitaries from Babylon. God sent judgment on Judah because of this, prophesying through Isaiah that the Babylonians would eventually raid the kingdom and carry off all the wealth. Even then, the king could only think of himself, thankful that the calamity would not come in his day.
Writing to the Corinthian believers, Paul put it this way: “Don't you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24 CSB).
If there is an area of your life where you have recently let up, how can you begin to run well again? May God reward you with the joy of His activity in your life as you pursue the prize.
Your partner in ministry,
Kevin Freeman
While not part of the Olympics, these teen athletes represented some of the best from their countries. Among them was Jake Odey-Jordan, who competed in the 200-meter race. Odey-Jordan put on some impressive, blazing speed that quickly distinguished him as the leader in the pack.
But inexplicably, after the final turn, Odey-Jordan let up and began jogging with 50 meters left to go. He apparently had become confused and thought he had already crossed the finish line. Half of the other runners caught up to and passed him before he finished the race, leading to his disqualification.
I feel for Odey-Jordan, but he is not alone. Many Christians who run their race for the Lord ease up in their faith, thinking their race completed when they still have a distance to go. In Hebrews 12:1, we are told to “run with endurance the race God has set before us.” This tendency to let up can occur toward the end of our lives, but it can also happen in various endeavors that God calls us to: marriage, parenting, church attendance, giving, neighborliness, sharing the gospel, prayer.
Where have you let up lately? What God-ordained pursuits have received minimal effort recently?
Our one-year Bible reading group covered the story of Hezekiah this week (you can read Hezekiah’s story in 2 Kings 18-20). This courageous king of Judah restored worship of the Lord and abolished idolatry. He relied solely on God’s protection amid the onslaught of Sennacherib’s overwhelming army. Because of this, the people of Judah saw God’s hand of deliverance.
However, toward the end of Hezekiah’s life – which was miraculously extended – the king became proud and essentially showed off his great wealth to visiting dignitaries from Babylon. God sent judgment on Judah because of this, prophesying through Isaiah that the Babylonians would eventually raid the kingdom and carry off all the wealth. Even then, the king could only think of himself, thankful that the calamity would not come in his day.
Writing to the Corinthian believers, Paul put it this way: “Don't you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24 CSB).
If there is an area of your life where you have recently let up, how can you begin to run well again? May God reward you with the joy of His activity in your life as you pursue the prize.
Your partner in ministry,
Kevin Freeman
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