We are not Disqualified

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 ESV

In a story titled, "Runner disqualified as winner of OC Marathon" published yesterday, it was reported that a Fountain Valley man was disqualified Sunday as winner of the OC marathon. In a statement, event officials said the competitor was disqualified for receiving unauthorized assistance from someone on a bike. City News Service reported that the runner received fluids from a spectator in violation of a rule that participants can only get water at official hydration stations. "During yesterday’s Hoag OC Marathon, we were forced to disqualify a participant after it was confirmed they received unauthorized assistance from an individual on a bicycle, in violation of USA Track & Field rules and our race regulations," race director Gary Kutschar said. "We take these rules seriously to ensure fairness and the integrity of our event for all competitors.”

And you know, while the punishment for an offense that seems so minor might appear to be unusually harsh, the penalty for the transgression is fitting. After all, a violation is a violation no matter the size of the breach. Similarly, the punishment for all sin (big and small) is death, since all sin is a violation of God’s rules. Thankfully though, through the death of Jesus Christ, we don’t have to be disqualified from receiving the prize of “eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Through this “free gift of God,” you and I were given another chance — and by confessing and repenting of our sins can complete the race we were called to run. 

So don’t despair if sin has left you sidelined my friend. By turning from your trespasses, no matter how shameful, heinous, or shocking they might have been, you can be reinstated and qualified to get back in the race and receive the prize Jesus has promised to every faithful finisher. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for your mercy in not giving us the punishment that we deserve. Help us to truly understand that without Jesus’ death on the cross, we would all be disqualified and justly condemned to hell. May that knowledge cause us to be so thankful that we serve You will all we have until the day we reach that final finish line. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!