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One
of the hallmarks of the Redeemer cross-country program has been
our dedication to prayer before and after our races. We never
ask God for victory, for that assumes that God chooses outcomes.
Rather we ask for God's blessings to perform up to our abilities
and to learn from all of the experiences we encounter.
he
1st Scripture reading is what is always read prior to our first
race of the season; it reflects on our belief that we have no
superstars. Rather, superstars are likely to receive secondary
treatment as opposed to the athletes who need more assistance
and development.
The
First Will Be Last: The laborers in the vineyard. Matthew, Chapter
20, 1-16
The reign of God is like the case of the owner of an estate who
went out at dawn to hire workmen for his vineyard. After reaching
an agreement with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them
out to his vineyard.
He
came out about midmorning and saw other men standing around the
marketplace without work, so he said to them "You two go along
to my vineyard and I will pay you whatever is fair." At that they
went away. Finally, going out in late afternoon he found still
others standing around. To these he said "Why have you been standing
here idle all day?" "No one has hired us", they told him. He said,
"You go to the vineyard, too."
When evening came the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman,
"Call the workmen and give then their pay, but begin with the
last group first and the first group last. When those hired late
in the afternoon came up they received a full-day's pay; when
the first group appeared they supposed they would get more, yet
they received the same daily wage. Thereupon the first group complained
to the owner.
"This
last group did only an hour's work, but you have put them on the
same basis as us who have worked a full day in the scorching heat".
"My friend" he said to one in reply, "I do you no injustice".
"You agreed to the usual wage, did you not?" "Take your pay and
go home. I intend to give this man who was hired last the same
pay as you. I am free to do as I please with my money, am I not?
Or are you envious because I am generous?" Thus the last shall
be first and the first shall be last.
The
Golden Rule. Matthew, Chapter 8, Verse 12-23.
Treat others the way you would have them treat you: This sums
up the law and the prophets.
Enter through the narrow gate. The road that leads to damnation
is wide, the road is clear, and many chose to travel it. But how
narrow is the gate that leads to life, how rough the road, and
how few there are who find it!"
Be
on your guard against false prophets, who come to you in sheep's
clothing, but underneath are wolves on the prowl. You will know
them by their deeds.
Do
you ever pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from prickley plants?
Never! Any sound tree bears good fruit, while a decayed tree bears
bad fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down
and thrown into the fire.
You
can tell a tree by its fruit. None of those who cry out 'Lord,
Lord', will enter into the kingdom of God, but only the one who
does the will of my Father in Heaven.
When
that day comes, many will plead with me, 'Lord, Lord' have we
not prophesied in your name? Have we not exorcised by its power?
Did we not do many miracles in your name as well? Then I will
declare to the solemnly, "I never knew you. Out of my sight you
evildoers."
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