First Place In A Different Race

January 2010

Read Luke 10:25-37

As we approach the New Year most of us will be inundated with newspaper articles, television commercials, and radio spots encouraging us to set goals and get serious about making this year really count. Many will once again set out to take another run at the pursuit of some goal that long ago was overcome by events or simply ignored because success was not achievable without serious change. 

With this in mind, let me ask, “What would it take to place first in the race of life?” Before you answer that question, I would like to relate a story that touched my heart.

Last fall two young ladies competing in a cross-country race never imagined that this race would take over 24 minutes for them to finish. Then again, these runners could never imagine leaving another runner behind.

So when the two were about to round a turn the sight of an unconscious competitor made them stop. No matter that the runner was from another school. No matter that the two would have probably medaled if they kept going. No matter that one of the girls was running in what might be her last race of her senior year.

What mattered to them was that someone was in need.

These girls planned to win the race. However, when faced with the challenge they found before them, their original strategy to win did not seem so important.
The young lady in distress, after having led the race, suffered a severe asthma attack and collapsed. The next thing she remembered was the Emergency Medical Technician yelling at her to breathe deeply and open her eyes. She didn’t even know that two competitors from another school had stopped, rendered aid, and summoned help.

The actions of these young ladies demonstrate the compassion and determination Jesus spoke about recorded in Luke’s gospel as the parable of the Good Samaritan.

I pray that as we begin 2010 and the pursuit of all our planned activities and ministry we don’t lose sight of what really counts. Be who you have been called to be. Hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful to complete the work begun.  Do what is right regardless of inconvenience. Finish the race laid out before you and glorify God triumphantly!

Read Jude verses 24-25

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