Friday, September 15, 2006
Matthew 25:21 "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
RUNNING LIKE TURTLES
He doesn't look much like a cross country runner. On the chunky side, and not very tall for his age, you can tell he's a little nervous as the race is about to start. There he is at the big two mile race. Amongst a group of smooth running gazelles he feels like a turtle.
Now this could be one of those amazing Hollywood-type stories where our little runner somehow manages to come out of nowhere, pass the entire field, and claim the top prize. It could be, but it's not. This is a true story, and our little runner places 32nd out of 35.
After the race he's not too happy. You see, he's been practicing everyday. He's been running hard, even running on days when there is no practice. Whether it's a practice run or an actual meet, he never walks, but keeps his feet moving as fast as his feet will take him. All that work, all that sweat, and he can't do better than 32nd. His head hangs low after the race. But he's not forgotten. His Mom holds him tight. In her eyes he's a true champion. She whispers in his ear, "Good job, honey!"
As Christians we want to serve our Lord. We desire to run a winning race for him. But our efforts may seem to us mediocre compared to the great things we see others doing for Him. "What am I really good for?" we may wonder. Our talents, we may think, are few and unimpressive. In our congregation or in our synod we may feel like a turtle amongst gazelles.
Chin up, dear Christian! In Jesus' eyes we are true champions. In fact, he can work amazing things even through turtles like you and me. More than that, He is pleased with our faithful service no matter how unimpressive it may look to us. He forgives our failures. Loves us as we are. Gives us His Spirit and Word so that we keep "running" for Him. And when we get to the finish line He'll be there waiting for us. His arms will enfold us and He will say: "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
