IMTS Global

MEMORIAL - On a Personal Note: Finishing Well

I recently had opportunity to be a spectator at a premier cycling event held in Milwaukee. I had been teaching all day with two colleagues and it had been a hot and balmy afternoon. The course seemed to linger on, and we were simply looking forward to relaxing that evening while enjoying some good Milwaukee cuisine. Much to our delight, we realized that the showcase race was running that evening, and the road race would be going right by where we would be dining. I had watched the Tour De France and other cycling races on television, but never attended one in person. This would be a treat, particularly as my companions included two former state-ranked racers who would provide moment-by-moment commentary as well as their own experience.

The scene was a familiar one. All of our earlier conversations and excited chatter ceased while all eyes were fixed upon one spot. Over sixty grueling laps had been completed, and the finish line was in sight. The respirations of each spectator became shallow, while heartbeats thumped in anxious anticipation. Adrenaline, at an all time high surged with no outlet. We were but spectators, and would have no active role in the finish of this contest except to cheer on these brave warriors and to witness their feats of courage.

Heb 12:1
1	Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. (KJV)

For the participants, an altogether different scene was unfolding. Adrenaline had long been exhausted, and muscles once soft and supple were instead swollen with numerous chemicals cramping and binding their function. Physical, mental and emotional duress had become their constant companion. Lap after lap at blistering paces had done in numerous contestants. Some, having expended all of their energy at the start of the race were forced to bail out, not able to complete the course. Others attempting illegal tactical maneuvers were disqualified by the ever-watchful officials. And some, simply because of poor preparation had equipment failures, which proved their downfall (pun intended) costing them loss of race, failure to finish, and in some cases providing serious injury.

1 Cor 9:27
27	But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (KJV)

Numerous strategies had been employed to assist the "break-away" leaders. Certain members took an early "lead position" to break the wind, and provide a "draft" for their team. This expended tremendous amounts of energy and left these selfless servants little chance of finishing high in the ranks. Others blocked, veering opponents into wide turns, and sped up, or slowed down the pace to assist their teammates. Every revolution, every acceleration, every breath carefully calculated, and seemingly effortless to these marvels of physical conditioning, yet exacting tremendous amounts of energy and demanding complete focus.

Finally the finish line appeared. All of the hours, days, months and years of preparation would be decided at a tape strewn between two poles, a clock looming in the background, and a judges stand. And then, as abruptly as it started, it concluded. The race was over, a winner declared. Paul wrote:

2 Tim 4:7-8
7	I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for
8	me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (KJV)

We also, daily run in a race. We draft, we block, we position, and we occasionally crash. All the while we set our sights on the tape, and He who stands ready to embrace us and declare, "Well done thou good and faithful servant".

We also admire those who excel in the race. Quietly determined, these "leaders" sacrifice for their team, often without notice. Oh, I must clarify; these individuals are not necessarily the ones who cross the tape first. Instead, they make sure their "team" is successful. They "live for the team (ie. body)", and we marvel at their dedication. Their victories are solemnly celebrated, and their defeats rarely broadcasted. They are truly the "champions", and when they are in our midst, we sense, and are enveloped in their mastery and greatness.

One such champion crosses a line this next month at here at Grace. He, like the master cyclist, would have little fanfare, little celebration over his innumerable and untold accomplishments. He knows no other reward than to personally realize "his team's success", and is too busy preparing for his next race. The training never ceases for a champion, not until his "Judge" appears. Thank you my brother, my fellow "cyclist". May each of your heartfelt "Selahs" be filled with His precious presence.

Coram Deo,

Jeff