Do Your Part in Making Heaven Full

“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:12-13 ESV

In a story titled “London plans two-day mega 100,000-runner marathon” published Wednesday, it was reported that the London marathon could be split across two days next year to reportedly allow up to 100,000 runners to participate and raise millions more for charity.

A world record 1.1 million people applied via a ballot to take part in the 2026 London marathon, taking place on April 26, nearly doubling the number of applications from two years ago.

The 2025 event set a world record for number of finishers in a single marathon at 56,640 and raised £87.3 million ($117 million) for a diverse range of charities.

"The TCS London Marathon is the world's most popular marathon, and we are continually exploring innovative ways to enable more people to take part, while delivering positive benefits for London," organisers said in a statement to AFP.

"Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are looking at the intention for the 2027 TCS London Marathon to take place across two days.

"No approval has been given at this stage."

And, you know, while the London Marathon has participation limits and qualification criteria that must be met to gain entry, the Bible tells us that “everyone who calls upon the name will be saved.” Truly believing in Jesus Christ as Savior is the only criteria for eternal life. 

That means no one is turned away “for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.” Is that amazing or what? The "riches" bestowed by the Lord upon all who call on him, regardless of background, represent the immense, universal blessings of salvation, grace, and mercy. This includes forgiveness of sins, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the peace that surpasses all understanding, and the promise of eternal life. Amazing, right? 

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” Romans 10:14-15

But here’s the deal. While God welcomes all who believe in Him and "call upon the name... how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" And of course, the answer to both questions is... they can't.

"And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled." Luke 14:23

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16

Which is the very reason, each and every believer is called to have the beautiful feet that come from going out "to the highways and hedges" and preaching the Message in such a way that people are compelled to call upon the ONLY name that has the power to save "everyone who believes." 

So, don't be ashamed of the Gospel my friend and don't buy into the lie that sharing the Good News is the job of your pastor or of a few select people. We are all called to do our part in making heaven full. And that means you and I have a job to do. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You are the ONLY way to eternal life and that all who call upon your name can be saved. Lord, help us to understand that we all are commissioned to share the Good News so that we can reach everyone. Father, please fill us with a sense of urgency so great that it would compel us to get out and get busy, knowing that time is short. Its' in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!