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After the United States was eliminated from the 2010 World Cup soccer competition, Ronald Blum, an Associated Press reporter, wrote an article titled, "US ponders what might have been." On Sunday the players began scattering to their various adopted countries, knowing most of them would never play together on the same team. As they departed, Blum noted, "All the optimism had vanished, four years of planning and effort foiled by a debilitating defense, faltering forwards and, in the ultimate insult to their pride, a sudden realization the most-talented soccer team in American history wasn't good enough to consistently compete with the world's best." In the four games that the team played, they were only ahead in scoring for three minutes total.
Reflecting on his team, Coach Bob Bradley said, "There is a pretty empty feeling right now because I think coming out of the first round, we felt that there was a real chance of doing something bigger."
Paul often compared his missionary work to being engaged in an athletic event. In our lectionary reading, Paul, imprisoned and with a feeling of hopelessness writes, "I have finished the race." With a pending execution from the Roman authorities, Paul realizes his only reward will be the "crown of righteousness" that he will receive in heaven. Paul is alone, for as he said at his trial, "no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me." The only assurance that Paul has is knowing that he finished the race, he finished his missionary work, to the best of his ability.
The American soccer team left South Africa defeated, but not forsaken, for they finished the race to the best of their ability. Paul, in prison, may have felt defeated, but not forsaken, for he finished his work to the best of his ability. There are going to be many times we walk off the field of life wondering if we have accomplished anything of significance, especially when what we have attempted has fallen so far below our expectations. But, our reward is not measured in points on the scoreboard, but by Jesus who will place upon us the "crown of righteousness." Only Jesus will understand our dedication and commitment to service.
Ron L.
Reflecting on his team, Coach Bob Bradley said, "There is a pretty empty feeling right now because I think coming out of the first round, we felt that there was a real chance of doing something bigger."
Paul often compared his missionary work to being engaged in an athletic event. In our lectionary reading, Paul, imprisoned and with a feeling of hopelessness writes, "I have finished the race." With a pending execution from the Roman authorities, Paul realizes his only reward will be the "crown of righteousness" that he will receive in heaven. Paul is alone, for as he said at his trial, "no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me." The only assurance that Paul has is knowing that he finished the race, he finished his missionary work, to the best of his ability.
The American soccer team left South Africa defeated, but not forsaken, for they finished the race to the best of their ability. Paul, in prison, may have felt defeated, but not forsaken, for he finished his work to the best of his ability. There are going to be many times we walk off the field of life wondering if we have accomplished anything of significance, especially when what we have attempted has fallen so far below our expectations. But, our reward is not measured in points on the scoreboard, but by Jesus who will place upon us the "crown of righteousness." Only Jesus will understand our dedication and commitment to service.
Ron L.
