Paul wrote to Timothy, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." This scripture has found its way to me several times in the past weeks. Finishing the race has led me to think a great deal about eternity. Or, more accurately, heaven.
I have not been spending any time thinking about the "theology" of heaven. Not what it is or where it is. I have not been breaking down the promise of a "new heaven and new earth." I am not concerned with what the streets are paved with, whether or not the gates are pearly, who is singing what or who is playing what.
The bottom line for me is that, ultimately, it is quite sufficient for me to be in the presence of the Living God of the Universe. Wherever and whatever and however. The thought is exciting to me.
I do not, however, prefer to "go" now. I'm having a good bit of fun here with Connie and the kids, my friends and my congregation.
When I do "get there" though, I hope for a "gold medal moment." One like Nastia Liukin - the American gold medal winning gymnast.
As I watched her be awarded her medal in Beijing, I couldn't help but think about what it must have taken for her to arrive at that moment. It would have taken thousands of hours in the gym preparing and practicing. She would have won thousands of medals along the way at hundreds of gym meets. She would have lost some times too. She had to fight through distractions and injury and personal defeats. And yet, there she was...receiving her gold medal. You could see it on her face as she listened to the National Anthem being played. She sighed a sigh of relief as if to say to herself, "There. I've done it. I fought the fight. I finished the race. I kept the faith."
When this life is over and I am ultimately in the presence of God, I hope I have a moment like that. Standing there will be my reward. The music will not be the National Anthem but will be indescribable I imagine. The lyrics will not be "Oh say can you see..." but rather, "well done, good and faithful servant."
Fight the fight. Finish the race. Keep the faith.
1 comment:
David, you make a great analogy with the gymnast, Nasta Liukin.
I think we, as Christians, could sometimes use that type of dedication, or at least I could.
I'm sure there are days she would have loved to have been outside, playing with other kids, etc. but made it to the gym and practiced, rep after rep.
There are days I know I need to be in prayer, or in the Word, but I seem to get distracted too easily. I could use more dedication. That type of dedication would certainly help me to better fight the good fight.
With that said, I too one day (like you, hopefully a day some time in the distant future!!!) will see Jesus' nail-scarred hands and feet and know I did just that.
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