A Father's love for his
children; a Father's love for you through His Son
By Michael Mallick,
preaching minister Jefferson Street Christian Church |
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[December 23, 2016]
A
couple of years ago I preached a sermon series called, “Finding Your
Way Back to God.” In that series I used an illustration (and video
clip) of Derek Redmond from the 1992 Olympic games held in
Barcelona.
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 Derek Redmond, from Great Britain, was the favorite in the 400
meters and at the start of the race he was in command on his way to
a gold medal. However, at the 200 meter mark (halfway through the
race) his hamstring snapped. He stumbled, then fell to the ground,
and later said it felt like a knife thrust into his leg. His trainer
tried to pull him off the track, but he waved him away. And although
the pain was unbearable and although all hope of winning was gone
Derek Redmond slowly pulled himself up and began to hop on his good
leg toward the finish line.
With the race now over, the attention of the 65,000 people in the
stadium turned back to Redmond and they were stunned. They rose with
a loud deafening cheer. It was a magical Olympic moment.
And then as Derek limped down the home stretch, a man with a ball
cap that read “Just Do It” jumped out of the crowd and ran toward
Redmond while being chased by security guards. It was Jim Redmond,
Derek’s dad.
 Jim came up to Derek, wrapped his arms around his son and whispered,
“We started this race together; we’ll finish it together.” The
father led his son to the finish line.
It is a powerful and inspiring story and many times when it is told
it’s an illustration of perseverance, not quitting – and it is
certainly that. However, it is the powerful story of Christmas.
That God, high up in heaven saw us – His children stumble and fall
under the weight of sin. And because of His great love for us He
could not stay where He was. He came down to earth to be with us in
our pain – to pick us up and to help us to the finish line.
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Could you use a little of that kind of help in your life? Read Luke
2:1-7 and be reminded that at Christmas God came down to put His arm
around your shoulder and help you to the finish line. Whatever your
situation – whether you are hurting from the loss of a loved one,
struggling from a broken relationship, or frustrated that life
hasn’t gone your way – remember God loves you and whispers in your
ear, “We started this race together; we’ll finish it together.”
Merry Christmas – and joy to the world because the Lord has come.
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