Everyday Disciple #6 - Finishing Well

Following Jesus is a marathon not a sprint. A race of deliberate and intentional daily steps of trust, wonder, and courage.

2 Tim 4:6-8

Daily put your trust and faith in the one who runs with you, and will help you across the line.

Do you remember Aesop’s fable of the tortoise and the hare? (I remember Looney Toons did a version of it). The hare would often make fun of the tortoise with his slow, plodding movements. One day, the tortoise challenges the hare to a race. The hare, being confident of his speed, thought he could easily win any race against the tortoise. So, the day arrives, and the race commences. The hare speeds off into the distance. However, he grows tired and decides to take a nap near the finish line. Meanwhile, the tortoise continues to amble along towards the goal. The hare sleeps on peacefully believing he has the race in the bag. Suddenly, the hare wakes up with a start! He looks to see the tortoise very close to the finish line! With all his might the hare speeds towards the finish line. But try as he may, he can’t overtake the tortoise in time. The tortoise wins. Slow and steady wins.

Following Jesus is a marathon not a sprint. A race of deliberate and intentional daily steps of trust, wonder, and courage. In Paul’s last letter from prison to his spiritual son Timothy, he reflects on his life of following Jesus and sums it up with these words:

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 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" (2 Tim 4:6-8).

This has been a special verse for me for many years. Something God laid on my heart to inspire, challenge and hold me to race with Christ. In the race, I am dependant on my relationship with Jesus—his strength, wisdom, power, love and nurture. And in the race, I am dependant on daily choosing to follow, stay in step, and remain with Jesus. The promise of reward and place in God’s kingdom is sure. I will be crowned. Not because I am good, but because he has paid the cost and is the righteous judge.

So, finish well! Fight the good fight! Finish the race! Keep the faith! Daily put your trust and faith in the one who runs with you, and will help you across the line.

God bless.

Pastor Stephen