"'Therefore, I will bring upon you all the disasters I have announced. Prepare to meet your God in judgment, you people of Israel!'" Amos 4:12 NLT
Is it just me, or have you noticed a spike in the number of runners cheating lately? Whether it's to get into Boston, win a prize or to simply gain bragging rights, dishonesty has become commonplace in a sport that once prided itself on the integrity of its' participants. Well the Chinese Athletic Association has finally said enough is enough. With the memory of last November's half-marathon in the Chinese city of Shenzen where more than 200 people were busted for cheating still fresh in their minds, the news of three Chinese nationals cheating to get into Monday's iconic Boston Marathon incited the CAA to administer immediate judgement and strict punishment. And for their deceitful and deplorable behavior, the three scammers rightfully received a permanent ban from all future races.
And you know, when it comes to rightful judgements, or rulings that come after repeated warnings so that a person is without excuse for receiving them, the Bible tells us that God warned the people of Israel time and again to repent and return to Him. Yet even through famine, plagues, drought, blight, locusts, war, and plagues, the people still refused to obey and chose to ignore Him. It's no wonder then that the Lord decided that enough was enough and said, "'Therefore, I will bring upon you all the disasters I have announced. Prepare to meet your God in judgement.."
Sadly, the people of our world today are not much different my friend. They have been issued warning after warning of their need to repent and turn back to God and have ignored them. But guess what? The day is coming soon when the Lord will once again say, "Prepare to meet your God in judgement.” The question is... will you be ready to meet Him?
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that there will one day be an end to your patience and mercy and You will come to bring judgement upon all those who have not accepted You as Lord. May we be bold in bringing this message of repentance to the lost that they might be prepared to meet You when that day comes. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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