Usually, we visualize THE FINISH LINE as a place, a strip of paint across the track, a physical destination we strive to reach and crossover. For Heritage of Hope, THE FINISH LINE represents a delineation between our mortal lives and our eternal lives. In John 14, Jesus told the disciples he was going on ahead to prepare a place for us. This is a comforting promise we hold dear. There are times we grow quite weary of this broken world. When our brothers and sisters in Christ die, we say they have “gone home,” and we can be glad for them. They are free of brokenness to enjoy a place prepared especially for them.
When approaching landmark birthdays, however, we tend to think of THE FINISH LINE in terms of time. We may be amazed at how many decades have passed or wonder how much time is remaining? The Bible tells us to number our days and be wise (Psalm 90:12) because God has ordained them (Psalm 139:16). Often, I wish I knew the exact number of my days so I could plan accordingly. It is comforting, however, to know God is in charge and not me. We may get caught up in the finite days on our calendars, but at THE FINISH LINE, we step into the infinite. How liberating that will be!
Sometimes, we think of THE FINISH LINE as an accomplishment, a victory for which we must strive with great discipline and effort like an Olympian going for the gold. Many times I have awaited my husband at the end of an arduous, week long bike ride to congratulate him. How satisfying it was to personally complete a 50 mile bike ride around Portland in 2010 and ride beneath a victory arch of balloons at Portland State University with my husband Dan, son Curtis and grandson Dakota!
We want to finish strong; but that does not always look like first place. As a spectator at THE FINISH LINE of the Portland Marathon, I observed finishers of all ages, shapes and sizes. Some ran competitively to win. Others ran to better their own personal record. Many ran simply to finish. Let’s be honest—26 miles is an impressive run regardless of speed. However, there was one runner that impressed me more than all the others I watched cross THE FINISH LINE that day. Just yards short of his goal, he broke his beautiful stride, stopped, and helped another runner whose calf had cramped up. Together, one walked and one limped over THE FINISH LINE. I think God was very pleased with this victory of compassion. I could almost hear the, Well done my good and faithful servant! (Matthew 25:21)
The closer I come to THE FINISH LINE, however, the less I think of it as a place, a time, or even a victory we can offer. I am coming to realize THE FINISH LINE is really a person, the Lord Jesus Christ. Now I sense His glorious presence in beautiful worship, His truth as I study the Word, His mercy and compassion as I pray, His voice promising me just what I need, and His comfort among other believers. Then, there, at FINISH LINE, I will see Him face to face. He is my reward, my portion, my inheritance. Jesus is the One who truly knows me, and I will finally know Him as I am known. What intimate joy awaits me and all who have opened the doors of their hearts to Him! (Rev. 3:20)
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. I Corinthians 13:12 NKJV
Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; it it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14: 1-3
So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. Psalm 139:16
His lord said to him, ‘Well done good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make your ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ Matthew 25:21
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20
