March 2010

“Press ON”

Before the 30km (18 mile) "pursuit" cross country ski race, two of the Norwegian skiers were interviewed in Norwegian TV and the said: - Hellner will have no chance. We will take him down in the first 15km classical style. We are in too good shape for him. Their psychological warefare was obviously counter productive. Two Swedes took medals and the Norwegians made a very poor result.

The Olympics if full of great races. The exciting race that Marcus Hellner (from Sweden) skied was no exception. The race demanded strategy, incredible physical training and heart. There were many hills on the 18 mile beautiful wooded course that sucked the life out of their muscles as they skied their way through the course. Many didn't finish strong because of the physical demands. The last sprint to the finish was exciting as Marcus pushed ahead of the German and Swede to win the Gold medal.

The scene of this race reminded me of the scene that the Apostle Paul wrote about in Philippians 3. No, I don't think Paul did much cross country skiing, but he knew how to race. He compared the Christian life to a race. He wrote,

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Like the cross country ski race, our life needs us to be focused on the goal of growing stronger each day in Jesus Christ. Letting the Holy Spirit make us into women and men of faith. Living in obedience to the word of God and knowing that the hope we have in this life and in the life to come, comes from Jesus Christ.

Also remember that this life is also a long race not a sprint. It takes daily consistent commitment. We may slip and fall, but God in his forgiveness and strength empowers us to get up and begin again.

The one great difference between an Olympic race and our lives, is that there is more than one gold medalist. God welcomes all who believe in him. Paul and Silas shared the good news in Acts 16:31, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved."

Marcus Hellner kept his eyes on the goal and he took home the gold. I pray that you will emulate Paul as he pressed on for the prize of salvation, a great life and the eternal life that God has primised to all who believe.

Pastor Craig