The last few days, I continue to have this recurring scene pass before me, in my mind's eye:

THE RUNNING TRACK

The scene is on a running track, where a race is being run. The race is one in which the baton is passed from one runner to the next. In this race, the baton is about to be passed from the Lord who is coming around the corner and heading for the runner who will take the baton and continue the race.

The runner is already on the team, but in order to receive the baton and continue, with a chance to win the race, he must be ready.

I see the race unfold in two different ways. One way is disastrous. The other way is very successful.

THE FIRST RUNNER--PATIENTLY WAITING

With the first runner, the Lord comes around to pass the baton, running at full speed. The runner is not ready, but standing, and waiting for the baton. He is supposed to begin to run so that when it's his turn to receive the baton, his speed matches the speed of the Lord. But he is just waiting. Standing . . .and waiting. The Lord runs toward him and then runs BY him. This runner is suddenly out of the race. And he's left standing where he was, simply waiting. Disaster.

THE SECOND RUNNER --PATIENTLY PREPARED

Then, this is the way I saw this 2nd runner. He is prepared as he sees the Lord coming. He knows it's about to be his turn to have the baton passed to him and to enter the race. Having prepared for this, he begins, at just the right time, to accelerate and match his running speed with the Lord's. Just as he is up to speed, the proper speed . . . not too fast . . . and not too slow . . . the Lord catches up to him, passes the baton, and he's NOW in the race . . . promoted to the place he has prepared for--and He runs FOR THE WIN!

INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION

APPLICATION FOR THE FIRST RUNNER:

There are many people waiting for their promotion, for the passing of the baton from the Lord --to inherit their promises from the Lord. Having not received their answers many decide to just stand and wait. They no longer obey the small impulses and nudges from the Lord for ministry opportunities. Yet they have persevered. Not given up. Not even grown weary. Just waiting. But they believe they are doing the right thing, being patient to inherit their promises from God. But even in waiting, there should be preparation and obedience. This runner represents those people who have forgotten to be "about my Father's business." There are assignments, even in waiting to bring these people up to speed, at the proper time. The assignments can range from studying the word, to intercession for the church, to taking care of the widows and orphans in the local church, to loving their enemies--- to all of the above (and many other possibilities of course). But for those who neglect even the most basic ministry tasks that are given to all, they are about to miss the baton. The Lord is about to run right past them. He says this to those people:

Rev 2:2-5 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5 Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

APPLICATION FOR THE SECOND RUNNER:

The second runner is also waiting for the promises that the Lord has given him (or her) about the great things, the great ministry in store for him--the fulfilled promises that have tarried, sometimes for years!! But this person (representing these type of people) is mindful of the scripture which says,

Matt 25:23 You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

So he "prepares" for his promotion, the receiving of the baton, by continuing with the little things. He is no less hopeful for the promotion than the first runner. But his impatience is tempered by the enjoyment he has with the preparation--the continual ministry that brings meaning to his (or her) life. After a time of obedience, he even forgets that the little obedience's are training him for the end of the race---The great sprint for the WIN.

In his life, he has now become so involved that he is now worrying much less about a promotion because, honestly, he is too busy to even concern himself with a promotion. He is moving fast with many LITTLE things. In his real life, the Lord suddenly rounds the corner to hand him the baton. He sees the Lord coming and for a brief moment wonders if he will have time to react and receive the baton. Then it dawns on him as he looks down at his feet to discover--that he is running at full speed already--and has been for some time now. The Lord reaches out to him and simply hands his diploma to him, in the shape of a baton--along with his next major assignment--the fulfillment of a lifetime of promises not yet realized. He turns toward the finish line and goes for the win. In his obedience, he is scarcely fighting for victory. Because he has already overcome by continuing in his first love.

Rev 2:7 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.