At last, the finish line comes into view signaling
that the race is nearing an end. Exhilaration overtakes the racer at the sight
ahead. It is not just the finish line that has come into view. Lining up along
the sides of the final portion of the runner’s path are vast crowds of
onlookers. Words of encouragement, loud clapping of hands and great cheering
come from this excited group.
This crowd is comprised of all types of people.
Volunteers, having completed their duties, have made their way to the finish
line to cheer on these racers. Family and friends have taken up spots searching
for a glimpse of their beloved runner as he/she completes the course. Also
included in this assembly are racers that have already completed their course
and have remained behind to cheer those who are now coming in. Together with
other random onlookers this group excitedly cheers on the now-tired racers who
are completing the course.
As believers we also have a cheering section along the
path of each race. “Therefore then, since we are
surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the
Truth], let us strip off and
throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so
readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and
entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and
active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,
Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving
the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to
maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set
before Him, endured the cross, despising and
ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 AMP) We can keep running by, as Jesus did, looking to all
that awaits at the end of our race.
Brothers and sisters in the Lord, not only run their
own race, but also encourage each other to make it to the end. “Let
each of you esteem and look
upon and be concerned for not
[merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4 AMP) The crowd shouts encouragements
to the weary to keep going. “Do not, therefore, fling away your
fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward.” (Hebrews 10:35 AMP) This is a great reminder
of the promise that we have been given. “He who is victorious shall inherit all these
things, and I will be God to him and he shall be My son.” (Revelation
21:7 AMP)
Once the
race has been completed, we will be able to say, “I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have
finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith. [As to what remains]
henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor's] crown of righteousness [for
being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge,
will award to me and recompense
me on that [great] day—and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved
and yearned for and welcomed His appearing (His
return).” (2 Timothy 4:7-8 AMP) With
this in mind, we continue to take those last steps up to and across the finish
line.
During our earthly journey, we travel
across many spiritual finish lines. At these points, we can celebrate the
victory and then begin planning for the next triathlon, as we continue our lifelong
race. Ultimately we will cross that final finish line as our course on this
earth is completed. On that day we will be able to look back at all the
training and all of the exertion, sore muscles and thoughts of desiring to quit
along the way. Yet in that very moment, we will ultimately understand the words
of the apostle Paul. “For our light,
momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more
and more abundantly preparing and
producing and achieving for us
an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all
comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness
never to cease!]” (2 Corinthians
4:17 AMP)
Each of us
will receive encouragement from others as we near our many finish lines. We are
also to be the encouragers to others who may be weary but are pressing on to
finish lines of their own. “Therefore
encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up)
one another, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 AMP) Whether runner or encourager, we “… do all for the honor and glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31b AMP)
Run well, finish well and celebrate with those who cheer you on! Then
cheer for others.
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