Jesus Came to Reclaim the Lost

“This is a trustworthy saying that deserves complete acceptance: To this world Messiah came, sinful people to reclaim. I am the worst of them.” 1 Timothy 1:15 ISV

In a remarkable story titled, “CJ Albertson Is Once Again World Record Holder in the 50K” published by Runner's World Monday the followed was reported: American marathoner CJ Albertson reclaimed the world record in the 50K this weekend with a 2:38:44 effort at the Ruth Anderson Memorial Endurance Run in San Francisco. That’s an average of 5:05 pace per mile for just over 31 miles! The Fresno, California based runner, who is sponsored by Brooks and coaches cross country at Clovis Community College, previously set the world record in 2020 in 2:42:30, in a solo effort on a track in Fresno. Since then, several runners have improved the record, including most recently Stephen Mokoka of South Africa, who clocked 2:40:13 at the 2022 Nedbank Runified 50K in Gqeberha, South Africa. 

And you know, when it comes to taking back something that was lost, the Bible tells us that the Messiah came to this world, "sinful people to reclaim." In other words, Jesus came to this earth to save sinners… all transgressors (that's you and me) that choose to turn from their wicked ways and turn to Him. Even those that, like Paul, believe themselves to be “the worst of them.” Maybe even so bad that the Lord couldn’t possibly wish to “reclaim” them. But let me assure you, nothing is further from the truth. When you choose to yield your heart to the Savior, He will redeem and restore you… no matter what you’ve done. “This is a trustworthy saying that deserves complete acceptance.”

So if you’re feeling too far gone to ever be forgiven today, consider this my friend. There's only one unforgivable sin and that’s to have a hardness of heart that would see Jesus as true and yet walk away— a heart so obstinate and set against God that it would render you incapable of true repentance. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for granting forgiveness to all those who sincerely seek it and turn from their ways. Lord, if there's someone reading this today that's struggling to believe this "trustworthy saying" I pray that they would feel your love in a way they never have before. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!