Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” (John 4:34)

    Hours behind the runner in front of him, the last marathoner finally entered the Olympic stadium. By that time, the drama of the day’s events was almost over and most of the spectators had gone home. The athlete’s story, however, was still unfolding: Limping into the stadium, the Tanzanian runner grimaced with every step, his knee bleeding and bandaged from an earlier fall.

    His ragged appearance immediately caught the attention of the remaining crowd, who stood and cheered him on to the finish line.

    Why did he stay in the race? What made him endure his hardships to the end?  When he was asked these questions later, he replied, “My country did not send me 7,000 miles away to start the race. They sent me 7,000 miles to finish it.”

God sent His Son with a direct mission: seek and save the lost.

    In a similar way, God sent His Son with a direct mission: seek and save the lost. From the safety of heavenly glory, Christ made His way to the rigors of our world, and set out to accomplish what His Father had sent Him to do. Jesus’ finish did not with the accolades of a cheering crowd, but amid the insults of a jeering crowd while he slowly died. Between two other men who hung alongside Him on crosses of their own, Jesus finally finished what he had set out to do. Jesus said, “‘It is finished!’ Then he bowed his head and died.”(John 19:30)

    Jesus’ ministry was finished. Our rescue had been completed. His death bridged the gap between you and God and his work was accomplished.

    Today, do you have any unfinished business with God to do? As you begin this New Year, do you have work you need to accomplish? Why not get on your needs and ask for the help of the one who finished what he set out to do? If you will, I believe you will find a friend as well as finish your race!

I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his glorious return. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Copyright (c) 2001, Timely Truths Ministries. Used by permission.
Title: "Finish"
Author: Brent Nidiffer and Jamie Shell
Publication Date: January 12, 2002

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