Reaching The Finish Line...

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 1st Corinthians 9:24 (NLT)

I remember the Friday evening when I surrendered my life to Christ, I was singing on my high school gospel choir at a church youth night. On that particular evening, the preacher shared the Gospel in such a manner that my spirit man was deeply affected by what I'd just heard. That very evening I asked Jesus to come into my heart. Boy what a feeling!

I couldn't sleep that night, one may have thought it was Christmas Eve and I was waiting to see what Santa left under the tree. The next morning right after breakfast I ran around the corner to my cousin's house to share my joy with them; "hey everybody, I got saved last night!"...my statement prompted the following question from one of my elder cousins; "saved from what?"

The question made me feel as if someone had just let the air out of my balloon, and for the next few days I was confused and discouraged. It wasn't too much longer before I fell back into my old ways again, there-by placing myself in a backslidden status.

The Apostle Paul, who founded the church at Corinth on his second missionary journey; wrote this epistle because the church had become infested with the evils that surrounded it. The Greeks were proud of their learning and philosophy, but at the same time were addicted to gross immorality.

On the other hand they were very fond of oratory. Its apparent that Apollos, an eloquent Christian Jew; had come to Corinth and had captured the imaginations of the Greek Christians (ref. Acts 18:24-28). This fact led to the drawing of comparisons between him, with his silver tongue; and other religious leaders. Especially to the discredit of Paul, who's bodily presence seems not to have been impressive (ref. 2nd Corinthians 10:10).

All of these issues combined no-doubt led to the many schisms in the church (see chapter 1:11-13)... It was Paul's desire to purify the church from partysim and immorality, which was the primary cause for his writing of this epistle.

In chapter 9, Paul gives the example of his surrendering certain rights and liberties for the sake of winning men to Christ. History will show that Paul finished his walk and his work in honorable fashion to the glory of God.

In the book of 2nd Samuel you'll find the story of a man named Mephibosheth, (formerly called Mirab Baal - meaning opponent of Baal) the son of Jonathan; (King David's best friend), and grandson to Saul, the former king of Israel... After hearing that King Saul and Prince Jonathan had been killed, his nurse picked up the then 5 yr old boy and fled. Unfortunately for him the nurse fell while carrying him and his back was broken leaving him paralyzed in both legs. This new turn of events is why he was now called Mephibosheth which meant, "man of shame."

They would flee to a city called Lodebar (translated not-no) where he would reside for what seemed like the remainder of his life. Many of us were at one time spiritually crippled for one reason or another and hid out in Lodebar. It seemed as if we would never make our way back into the Kingdom of God. Some were handicaped by drug addictions, others by sexual sins, and still others by educational and financial circumstances and church-hurt. But Christ was constantly searching for us, "His lost sheep". It wasn't very much longer before King David would inquire if there was anyone who remained from the household of Jonathan. He was informed of Mephibosheth and right away sent for him.

Once he was found, King David not only restored him back to a position of royalty, but gave to him all of the land once owned by his father and grandfather...plus, Mephibosheth would always dine at the kings table and be cared for all of his days. Can you just imagine the shock and amazement of the others sitting around the table? Many were jealous and envious of Mephibosheth who as gone from being a man of shame, to a permanant guest at the kings table. This man began his life as a prince, was forced into the life of a fleeing, crippled fugitive; only to finish as a dear friend to the king with the benefits of royalty. You may have found yourself being tripped-up out of the starting blocks, however you must remember that the race isn't over until you reach the finish line. This walk of salvation is a marathon with many pifalls along the course. Often time the elements: rain, heat, come into play and take a toll. But you just have to keep on running, because victory and restoration await you at the finish line. (Ref. Joel 2:24-26)