Scripture of the Day
2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)
“Super Athlete”
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
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Paul refers to our Christian path as a race that we must endure. Not to take anything away from our runners, but it is unclear if running is a sport. Don’t get me wrong . . . runners are tremendous athletes, but I don’t know if running is a sport. More specific . . . I don’t think running is a game. It is more of a competition! As I watch the NBA Playoffs, I see each individuals trying to score as many points, assist, or rebounds as they can to win the game. Even if an NBA player is trying to achieve their all time best . . . it is to win the game. I don’t think any of them would like to win the most valuable player every year, but never win a championship! But a runner is an athlete without a game! Their focus is to complete the race. Notice, Paul doesn’t talk about being a sprinter . . . he tells us to run a good race! Runners don’t run 6 of the 25 miles and consider it complete. Even if it takes the runner the entire day, the goal is to cross the finish line . . . not to win a game! Those who manage to crawl across the finish line are champions who need not to be ashamed, because they have finished with faith!
GOD’s Word tells us that “Anyone who trust in him will never be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11) We may not be the first to cross the finish line, but if we believe in our heart, and confess with our mouths . . . we will never be shamed. Even if we have to finish on our hands and knees . . . praying the entire way!
When it comes to who the greatest Athlete of all times! I think about the one who completed the hardest race . . . and finished with tremendous faith! He endured the pain in his feet and the piercing in his side! He literally poured out his blood and sweat! He was focused on the ultimate prize, that we can receive as a gift! Without a doubt, the Super Athlete of all the heavens and earth . . . for ever and ever . . . is JESUS!
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