Finish the Race: Acts 20:24
In 1912, marathon runner Shizo Kanakuri was chosen to represent Japan in the Summer Olympics at Stockholm. He began the race with all the others, but along the way was overcome with heat. He stopped at a garden party for some refreshment, but he stayed a little too long—more than an hour. It was now, he thought, too late to get back in the race. He took a train to his hotel and caught a boat back home, too ashamed to tell anyone he was leaving.
For more than 50 years Shizo was listed as a missing person in Sweden, until a journalist finally found him; he had spent the last several decades living a quiet life in southern Japan. In 1966 the Swedish Public Television network called him with an offer: would you like to finish your run? The 85 year old Kanakuri accepted the challenge. He traveled to Stockholm and finished the race he had started so many years before. His final time was 54 years, 8 months, 6 days, 8 hours, 32 minutes and 20.3 seconds.
The Christian’s reward is not for starting the race, it’s for finishing it. We already know that. As Paul said in his farewell to the Ephesian church leaders, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me…” (Acts 20:24)
Here’s another thing I want you to remember: It’s never too late to get back in the race. You can start running again today! The finish line is still where it has always been!
Adapted
- Wayne A. Pittman
Elizabeth Frazier began serving as our summer intern last Monday, June 8. Elizabeth is from Peoria, Illinois. She will work with our staff members and be involved in various ministries of Crossroads. An appreciation offering will be received for her in August at the end of her 10 weeks with us. Get acquainted soon with Elizabeth!