“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” - I Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV).
There are many things that occurred during the 1992 Olympics in Spain, Barcelona, which no one ever recalls. However, there is an event that has lived through memory. In the course of the 400 meter semifinals race, a British record holder sprinter, Derrick Redmond, tore his hamstring. He hobbled to a halt, and then fell to the ground in pain. Stretcher bearers made their way over to him, but Redmond pushed them off. He got up and began to hobble along the track.
Then from nowhere his father, Jim Redmond, tore through security and on to the track, lifting up Derek. Jim and Derek completed the lap of the track together, with Derek leaning on his father's shoulder for support. As they crossed the finish line, the crowd of 65,000 spectators rose to give father and son team a standing ovation.
That event signifies in many respects the meaning of the Christian faith. After killing Abel, “Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” (Genesis 4:9). Of course Cain was at fault. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.”
Looking out for one another is a call for every believer. “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1).
When someone once asked why Christians must engage in the habit of regularly sharing answered prayer requests, the answer was, as one listens to answered prayer requests of other's then if his faith is down, it might be uplifted. This is why the Apostle Paul writes, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).
Like Jim and Derek, let us lift each other up, to finish the race.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, creator of heaven and faith, just as your son Jesus Christ died for my sins, may I always be looking out for my brothers and sisters, to build them up in faith.
