The ways to run a race are many. If you get a great start out of the blocks, you’ll get a jump on your competitors. If you’re simply faster, you’ll have the overall advantage. If it’s a medium to long distance race, you’ll need a good strategy for pace and rhythm. But without a strong finish to your race, the gold medal will surely hang around someone else’s neck. I recently saw a video of a high hurdler that was neck and neck at the finish line. As he approached the red finish tape, he launched himself fully into the air to secure the win, his whole body being scoured by the rough asphalt track. A strong finish to say the least.
As we walk daily with Christ, probably the last thing we are concerned with is a strong finish. We are consumed with our daily walk, looking to the struggles and temptations that are currently facing us in the next 24 hours. So how do we suppose to focus on a finish line that today is merely a distant mirage on our horizon? You see, the finish is really all about focus. About sharing in the vision of God and what He has for your life. And to do that requires passion. Passion to hold onto the vision the Lord has granted you.
We see yet another few new kings in chapter 14 of the aptly named book of 2 Kings. As we continue to field the roll call of kings, you can be assured by now, that most of them will be evil. But what I’ve noticed in the account of the many kings, is that God does not merely label them as good or bad, but He looks at their start and their finish. You see you can start a race poorly and finish it so strong you win. Or you can, in just the opposite way, start out a race perfectly but lose vision and purpose within the race and let the victory slip from your grasp.
I found a handy dandy chart of all 43 kings of Israel online and it breaks down the kings and their reign by their start and their finish. It’s amazing to study, like a sermon all wrapped up with a bow on it. For instance, let’s look at King David. He started out as a good king and finished just as strong as a good king. But compare his rule to King Saul. Saul started out as a good king but finished as an evil king. As Saul crossed that finish line, he had drawn the Israelites into false worship and idolatry. And all because of his pride, his ego, and his desire to operate in his own strength versus the strength of the Lord. There are four different classifications of kings and their starts and finishes and every one of the 43 will fit into one. Those that started good and finished good. Those that started evil and finished evil. Those that started good and finished evil and then those that started evil and finished good. Let’s look at a quick accounting of the 43 kings of Israel and how they all finished.
Started evil and finished evil – 30
Started good and finished good – 6
Started good and finished evil – 6
Started evil and finished good – 1
Wow. Out of 43 kings only 7 managed to cross the finish line in a way that was pleasing to the Lord. And there's only one outlier dangling out there that started evil and finished good. Quite the anomaly. So, what happens in between the starting block and the red tape that causes us to stumble so much? Folks, life happens.
If we are to remain in the vein of racing, this world is full of hurdles. We are all sinners by nature (Rom 3:23) and that sin nature will continue to beckon us until the day these bodies cease to exist. The big question of life then really is, what will you do with sin in this life? For most, the constant fight with sin is too much, they give in, give up, and simply recognize they cannot win the victory over the temptation. They relinquish to the power of sin in their life and simply live with it. For many today, living with their sin is as natural as an inhale.
Also, for most, they greatly discount the breadth of sin. Many will quickly sequester sin to something sexual. Almost all will agree that lying is a sin. Also, a great host will agree that stealing is a sin. But what about pride and ego? What about selfishness? What about judging others? What about uncontrolled anger? What about gossip and slander? What about sewing discord (yes that includes fighting on Facebook.) You see, I think many people are enslaved to sin that they are completely unaware of. Oh, the wily ways of the evil one.
The way that you finish the race will depend on how you run today. Are you running freely for the Lord or are you running with 75 pounds of sin on your back? Are you running with your pride and ego weighing you down? Are you so set on your getting own way that all other ways seem preposterous to you? Are you running with anger and resentment today? Do you lose your temper at the drop of a hat, a tempestuous volcano ready to blow when things don’t go your way? Who are you truly angry with? Are you running with sexual lust in your heart? Do you look at others and have impure thoughts? That is baggage you can’t afford to run with. Do you talk gossip and slander others thinking you are better? This will only slow you down to a crawl as you approach the upcoming hurdles of life. Folks, you might have a great start, you might be running strong today, but how will you finish? Are your eyes on the prize that Jesus has for you at the finish line or are you running for yourself?
Today, run with the finish close in mind. The world and the evil one that controls it desires to change your race. To slow or even stop you're running all together. To distract you from the race, to change your vision and move your focus to yourself. But if you simply stay focused on Jesus, the race will be fulfilling, and your finish will be certain. Stay focused on Jesus by spending time daily drawing close to Him through a deep study of His Word. Stay close to Jesus in prayer, speaking to Him as the Good Father that He is. Stay close to other runners for Christ in weekly fellowship, talking about the things of God. And stay focused on Him by serving others. For serving others is truly serving Jesus.
The finish line is up ahead for all of us, how you finish is up to you. Finish good…finish strong.
“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” Acts 20:24
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