It was a cold winter morning. We were gathered outside in the early
morning air. We waited anxiously for the formation to be called to
attention; standing there shivering in thin sweat pants and a light
jacket. While we were waiting the question traveled through the crowd,
"How far are we running this morning?" One person would say, "I heard
two miles." Another would chime in, "I heard five." No one really knew.
All we could be assured of is that once we started we were expected to
finish. It did not matter how far the finish line was from the starting
point. A soldier is expected to complete the course regardless of the
terrain or distance. Soon the company is called to attention. The
instruction is given to turn, "right, face." And the run begins. With
great anticipation we watch the turns and route choices to figure out
how far we are going and as a result how long we will have to endure the
climate before we return to the warmth of a shower and clothing more
suitable for the temperature. Down the street towards the front of the
post we go. If we turn left the only destination is off post into the
streets of Mannheim to return 30 to 45 minutes later. If we turn right
it is only a short time compared to the alternative. Fifteen minutes at
the most. We follow the direction of the Sergeant in charge listening to
the cadence and singing along to distract us from the conditions in
under which we are subjected. We carry on only to pursue the finish at
this point because there was no looking back.
Much of our
Christian journey is marred by the questions, Where? When? How long?
Regardless of the place, season or length of time we are encouraged to
complete the course (Acts 20:24). Today we face a trial that has never
been seen before, but we do know there is a finish line. The soldier is
encouraged to look forward to an objective (Phil. 3:13). When that is
done he is then expected to use his energy and apply his effort towards
meeting that objective thereby bringing his course to completion (1Cor.
9:26-27). Believers have one goal. That goal is to get to the place in
God that has been established in Christ Jesus, Heaven. We strive to be
in His presence; having peace with God our Father which is obtained
through Jesus' shed blood. This we know can only be done through faith.
That is mark the Apostle Paul set before himself. That is the goal he
placed before those who ran as he encouraged them to turn towards Christ
and pursue the finish line of Heaven. The cadence of the Preached Word
and the melodic sounds of the promises of God are enough to distract us
from the conditions under which we exercise our faith. If we have
repented of our sins and applied our hearts to faith, keep running. The
end is nearer than it has ever been (Rom. 13:11). He is able to give the
strength and endurance to complete the course He predestines for us
all.
