Finishing the Race

1 Peter 3:13-22 & John 14:15-21: "[15] 'If you love me, you will keep my commandments. [16] And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, [17] even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you. [18] I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you.'" (John 14:15-18)

Other scripture used in the sermon: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and Philippians 2:12-13: "[24] Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it." (1 Corinthians 9:24)

On Sunday, 01 May 2005, Mr. Hunter shared the story of Derek Redmond, the United Kingdom 400m runner, who showed courage and determination during the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. (His story--Finishing At Any Cost--is featured on the International Olympic Committee's web site.) When Redmond tore his hamstring during the middle of his semi-final heat, he arose and hobbled toward the finish in enormous pain, determined to complete the race. His father, Jim Redmond, rushed from the stands to help his son. Just before the finish line, the father let go, so his son could finish the race on his own.

Derek Redmond's story, says Mr. Hunter, combines and illustrates the main ideas of the day's scripture.

First, the close relationship between Derek Redmond and his father--especially the father's determination to help his son--illustrates the relationship Christ was speaking of when he said, "I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you" (John 14:20).

Second, at the Last Supper, Christ's disciples expressed dismay that he was leaving them and requiring them to continue His work without His presence. In this, Jesus said, they were wrong, because the Holy Spirit would dwell in them to sustain them.

Third, in 1 Corinthians 9, Paul explains that we should pursue our spiritual journeys with the same strenuous effort as Olympic-class athletes, but with this advantage: we will never have to run the race of faith alone.

What is the finish line, Mr. Hunter asked, for our race of faith? The goal is to conform to the image of Christ, which we achieve by loving God and keeping his new commandments to love one another.