Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
As the Olympics play out this winter in Sochi, Russia, we see the best of the best from each nation compete. We have our favorites, maybe the underdog, someone who has all the heart but lacks experience. We encourage potential, we love to see records broken. We feel lifted up by seeing humanity at its best, even if in defeat.
Paul writes to strive to win the race, to win the prize. It is so ingrained into our human experience to overcome, to conquer, and to be victorious, that we admire winners if not idolize them. Even as Christian we look up to men of God whom have furthered the Kingdom in Christ name?
Did you ever stop to think how that makes those of lesser stature feel? What does it feel like to be passed over because your effort isn’t deemed worthy of selection? Is your self-worth less than what you would like it to be? Have you given up trying? Let me show you the least among all, who is greater than all, and perhaps, just maybe, you can see why Jesus said what He did in Matthew 11:11.
The body of Christ is only compete and His return as King of Kings to come when the last person accepts Him as Lord of that life. When that happens, that last soul will have no time to do anything for the Kingdom because the church age will have come to an end. Knowing what I know about salvation and how people come to Christ, odds are that the last soul will be won to Christ by someone whom that soul can identify with, can connect with, can see themselves joining hands with in Christ.
Do you think that will be a Billy Graham type? I’ll bet it will be someone of low esteem that says, “We aren’t that different. I can love you from right here.”
Be of good cheer.
Thank you for your encouraging post this morning. I am sure it will encourage readers to just keep pressing on for our Lord. I have to relate a short story on your remarks on the olympics–I saw a program in which kids were running in the “Special Olympics”. One little boy was leading the race, and could have easily won it, but he turned around and saw a little girl stumble and fall, and as she lay there crying, he ran back, picked her up, and helped her get back into the race, Needless to say, he was not the race winner, but was a big winner in another way. I am always encouraged by that verse in Colossians–“whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as unto the Lord, and not unto men.” Thank you dear brother for helping us all in this race of life.
That is why they are called “special”.
A very encouraging word, my brother. I heard another take on Ron’s story: the version I heard was that all the participants in the race stopped, went back to help, then they all went across the finish line together. Either way, it is a beautiful lesson in the “one anothers” in Scripture.