Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Boston

A few years ago I ran a half marathon.

I will never forget the feeling, the euphoria of crossing that finish line with adrenaline to spare.  The incredible sense of accomplishment and the glow of a dream realized.

So as I have watched the footage from Boston, my heart has ached.  I cannot imagine the high of joy, the glow of pride and family and friends cheering, ending with amputated legs.

It makes me sick.
And angry.

The more I hear, the angrier I become.  Who did this?  Are they going to get away with it?  What about the families, the mama and daddy of that 8 year old boy who is now with Jesus?  Are they going to just fade into the crowd of sad faces like others who have gone and grieved before them?
Do they know Jesus and the hope of seeing their little boy again?

Because here is the deal, friends.  It all boils down to hope.
Without Jesus, we have none.
Nada.
Zilch.

Without the victory of the Resurrection, this tragedy is senseless, ugly, unjust.  But God, He turns things on their heads, doesn't He?  He gives us hope.  He promises to work all things for good for them who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  Without Him, though, that promise is invalid.  God makes beauty from ashes, and He will do the same with Boston.  He was there, He was not surprised.  He saw the bombs and knew when they were about to go off.  He allows evil to run for a season, but the victory has already been won.

Jesus crossed the finish line and stands waiting for us, cheering us on, promising that it will all be worth it.

It will all be worth it.

Persevere with hope.  Run the race to the finish.  Grab the hands of everyone you can, bringing them with you as you reach the goal.  Because that is why we are here, to run headlong into that great cloud of witnesses with as many people alongside us as possible.  This world is spiraling downward at a scary pace, but we lift up our eyes to the hills.

Where does our Help come from?

It comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth.

Don't.  Stop.

Finish well!






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