I don't know much about professional cycling, but I have heard of Mark Cavendish, from the Isle of Man, who has just become World Champion at road cycling. On Sunday, ably supported by the other members of the British team, he narrowly beat everyone else to finish well - ahead by half wheel's length. It was striking that while others praised his achievement, he thanked his team mates. As far as Cavendish was concerned, without teamwork, victory was not possible.
This takes me back to some words from Hebrews, which we looked at on Sunday. 'And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger and High Priest.' (Hebrews 3.1)
It is striking that the writer emphasises the corporate nature of our Christians lives.
We are family together, all belonging to the Lord as loved children.
We are all partners in a lifelong and life-giving journey. Our present experience of knowing the Lord's love and mercy is merely the first course in a magnificent banquet to be enjoyed together in eternity. Thinking carefully about Jesus - together and in community - will keep us strong together. Dreaming about anything else will ruin our prospects of making it to the end.
With all this that we share, we can continue to encourage one another to finish well - or as the old First World War song had it, 'Keep right on to the end of the road'.
I wonder who we might be able to encourage today. How exciting!
Best wishes,
Richard
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