I Have Finished the Race

- Pastor Rusty - Dec. 16, 2025

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” II Tim. 4:6-8

I was reading recently about the NYC marathon. The race is over 26 miles long, across the five boroughs of NYC. Not everyone who starts the race finishes the race. Those who do finish the race receives a medal 🏅. Those who do not finish the race do not receive a medal. Jesus gives a promise in Matthew 24:10-13, “And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” It’s not the one who starts the race that receives a crown 👑, but the one who finishes the race. Paul also says in II Tim. 2:5, “An athlete is not crowned 👑 unless he competes according to the rules.” There is no “participation trophy” for those who participate in the NYC marathon, only for those who finish the race. You don’t have to be first, but you do have to finish. “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day.”

“To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” Rev. 2:7b.

Holy Father, help us to help others to finish the race. Help us to finish strong! In Jesus mighty name! Amen!

Pastor Rusty.

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