Sep 23, 2013
Finishing the Race
by Clinton R. Brown
As the final participants came across the finish line in Colorado Springs, we had the feeling of completion. The first General Conference Gospel Feet Walk/Run was done!
The runners had completed their courses, and most importantly we had raised over $7,500 to buy more than 68 bicycles to assist Seventh Day Baptist ministers in spreading the Gospel throughout the world.
From pre-registration funds received, 20 bikes were in service in the Congo (DRC) before the starter’s gun had fired. And the applications already coming in from countries like the Philippines, Nicaragua, and Kenya meant, by God’s grace, we were reaching and exceeding our project goals. Praise the Lord!
However, the Gospel Feet Run represents only a small piece of the ultimate race God has set before us as individual followers of Jesus and as a people. To those who faithfully run the race to completion, Paul tells us (in 1 Corinthians 9) that we run for an imperishable crown. As individuals, each of us runs our own race with the goal of keeping the faith and finishing the course before us. Ultimately, and just as importantly, as the Church we know the finish line is when we have taken the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the peoples of the world.
We know the Word promises blessings to the faithful. Sometimes this is in wealth the world recognizes, but invariably it is that which is most valuable—a closer walk with our Lord. It would stand to reason that we can expect the Lord’s blessings to be removed if we are not faithful and obedient to Him. We could expect our Lord not to sustain us in disobedience and to permit our lamp stand to be extinguished. The question then is, “Are we being faithful as Seventh Day Baptists to finish the course?” Are we willing to participate in reaching the goal that we know He has set and He will see completed?
God will see that the world is reached for His glory. He has said it. We cannot fight it. But, will Seventh Day Baptists obediently press on to the finish line with Him? Will we receive the crown given to the runners that faithfully push on to the end?
Let us not sit on the curb and watch as other runners, other peoples, other nations finish the race. I believe we can choose this day to respond; we can choose to tighten our laces, set our gaze forward, and boldly take the next steps toward the goal… to finish the race.
“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24
