READ: PHILIPPIANS 3: 12-21
I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. (V. 14)
The missing child was known by her photo. She was a petite five-year old who stirred visions of our own children and grandchildren. She was last seen in the yard of her home. Despite an intensive search of the neighborhood, she had simply vanished without a trace. To the Detectives actively working her case, it became increasingly clear that his gentle soul had fallen victim to foul play. The exhaustive efforts of the lead Corporal and Sergeant produced little progress in locating the child or identifying the person responsible for her disappearance. Interviews with family, friends and neighbors coupled with numerous searches of all the “nooks and crannies” in her neighborhood produced nothing but frustration. It seemed destined the family might never know what happened to their dear daughter.
Years passed, the Corporal became a Lieutenant and headed the Departments Major Crimes Unit. The Sergeant became one of the unit supervisors. The case remained active within the hearts and minds of both men. Tragically a young woman in another section of the county went missing and all evidence pointed to the fact she had been murdered in her home. The focus of the investigation centered upon a homeless man who had done yard work for the victim’s family. Additionally, he had been interviewed in the case of the missing five-year old as he was a neighbor at the time. Painstaking investigative methods and interviews finally elicited a confession from the man for killing the young woman while her parents were away. He led them to the place he buried her in a field, not far from her home, where he had a campsite. However, he would say nothing about the missing child!
Knowing they were on the right track to bring justice and peace to the girl’s family, the community and themselves, the Lieutenant and Sergeant doubled down on their persistent investigative efforts. Tired of the dogged pursuit, the man finally admitted to killing the girl and led them to her grave in a wooded area a few miles from her home. The long ordeal was over. The final chapter to a violent story was recorded on a day filled with high emotion for the child’s family, the community and two persistent cops!
The Apostle Paul encourages us to be persistent in focusing our efforts to truly know Christ; follow his example; and work to fulfill his calling for our earthly lives. The way of Christ, set forth in His gospel, is not easy and filled with many obstacles that our sinful desires place in our path. But if we focus on Christ, he will help us overcome these obstacles as he leads to the salvation He won for us on the Cross. Stay the course set by Jesus and you will find lasting peace at the end of your journey!
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
How persistent are you in seeking Christ?
Dear Jesus, fill me with patience and persistence this day and evermore.