After a break of three years we are once again going to witness something incredible on Sunday as thousands of runners make their way from Maritzburg to Durban in the 2022 Comrades Marathon. And inspired by what we see, maybe some of us will be lacing up our running shoes before the sun comes up on Monday morning with visions of what will be in 2023 :) After all, when we see people of all ages and shapes and sizes crossing the finish line, it seems very do-able doesn’t it?
The thing is, what determines who finishes the Comrades has less to do with what happens on race day, and far more to do with the hidden life that runners sign up for if they are serious about earning a medal. It is the hidden life of repeatedly getting up early and putting in the hard work that ultimately decides what happens on race day.
The same is true in the life of a disciple of Jesus - it is the hidden life of prayer and service that determines what fruit we will bear. As we wrap up our Friendship with God series this Sunday, one of our readings has St Paul using this athletic analogy and urging us to run in such a way as to win the prize (1 Cor 9:24). I hope you can join us for worship (unless you’re on the road somewhere between Maritzburg and Durban...)
The thing is, what determines who finishes the Comrades has less to do with what happens on race day, and far more to do with the hidden life that runners sign up for if they are serious about earning a medal. It is the hidden life of repeatedly getting up early and putting in the hard work that ultimately decides what happens on race day.
The same is true in the life of a disciple of Jesus - it is the hidden life of prayer and service that determines what fruit we will bear. As we wrap up our Friendship with God series this Sunday, one of our readings has St Paul using this athletic analogy and urging us to run in such a way as to win the prize (1 Cor 9:24). I hope you can join us for worship (unless you’re on the road somewhere between Maritzburg and Durban...)