2016 Worship Guide

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Page 26 2016 Worship Guide December 7, 2016 A Lincoln Daily News Publication
Derek Redmond, from Great Britain, was
the favorite in the 400 meters and at the
start of the race he was in command on his
way to a gold medal. However, at the 200
meter mark (halfway through the race) his
hamstring snapped. He stumbled, then
fell to the ground, and later said it felt
like a knife thrust into his leg. His trainer
tried to pull him off the track, but he
waved him away. And although the pain
was unbearable and although all hope of
winning was gone Derek Redmond slowly
pulled himself up and began to hop on his
good leg toward the finish line.
With the race now over, the attention of
the 65,000 people in the stadium turned
back to Redmond and they were stunned.
They rose with a loud deafening cheer. It
was a magical Olympic moment.
And then as Derek limped down the home
stretch, a man with a ball cap that read
“Just Do It” jumped out of the crowd and
ran toward Redmond while being chased
by security guards. It was Jim Redmond,
Derek’s dad.
Jim came up to Derek, wrapped his arms
around his son and whispered, “We started
this race together; we’ll finish it together.”
The father led his son to the finish line.
It is a powerful and inspiring story
and many times when it is told it’s an
illustration of perseverance, not quitting –
and it is certainly that. However, it is the
powerful story of Christmas.
That God, high up in heaven saw us – His
children stumble and fall under the weight
A Father’s love for his
children; a Father’s love
for you through His Son
Michael Mallick, preaching minister
Jefferson Street Christian Church
Acouple of years ago I preached a sermon series called,
“Finding Your Way Back to God.” In that series I used an
illustration (and video clip) of Derek Redmond from the 1992
Olympic games held in Barcelona.
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