READ: 2 TIMOTHY 4: 1-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. (V. 7)
In dramatic fashion the men’s and women’s Olympic Hockey Teams scored “walk-off” gold medal overtime victories over North American archrival Canada. Both victories will be etched forever in the annals of American Olympic sports history, alongside the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” (US win over Russia). Walk-off victories are those where a team scores the final allowable point in a game or match to secure a victory. Being a native of Western Pennsylvanian, my favorite walk-off moment occurred on October 13, 1960, when Bill Mazeroski hit a home run in the bottom of the ninth inning giving the Pittsburgh Pirates a 10-9 victory over the Yankees and a World Series Championship. Walk-off wins are achieved through hard work, endurance, perseverance, and an attitude of unwavering optimism that you can achieve victory in the face of adversity. The walk-off mentality was captured by Abraham Lincoln when he said, “I do the very best I know how, the very best I can, and I mean to keep doing this till the end.” That is how he finished his race of life and guided America through the storm of the Civil War!
Nathaniel Kroll, the son in law, of Ron Eshelman, used the walk-off analogy to describe the lasting and unshakable faith of “Pop” at his funeral. Ron was a huge Baltimore Orioles fan and had witnessed some walk-off victories. So, it was appropriate that Nathaniel used the analogy to describe the faith of a man who dealt with unimaginable medical adversity for 13 years but walked off to glory when Jesus called him home. Instead of circling the bases, Ron’s home run was found in the reflections of family remembrances and those of countless people whose lives he had influenced through his teaching, music and friendship. Ron was the faith hero of his own story through faith centered character of strength and resolve that enabled him to finish strong.
Achieving a walk-off victory of faith at the end of our days, requires stamina, discipline, endurance and commitment to Jesus to help us cast off all the sin and weights of this world that would keep us from finishing strong (Hebrews 12:1-2). When we worry excessively about ourselves, the opposition, or our trials and tribulations, we will stumble and fall before leaving home plate. However, focusing on Jesus, we can round the bases of life assured, like the many heroes of the faith that have gone before us, (Hebrews 11). The Spirit will empower us to have a walk off victory of faith when we are called home.
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Gold medals and World Series victories are tremendous team and personal achievements deserving accolades and recognition. Along with Ron, countless others through the ages have walked it off for Jesus earning the “Well done my good and faithful servant” award.” Are you ready for the final trip around the diamond of life?
Dear Jesus, help me stay the course of faith that I may walk it off to your glory.