The Greatest Symbol

“As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.” Galatians 6:14 NLT

Like thousands of other runners around the world, you might be watching the Boston Marathon today and wondering, “What’s up with the unicorn? Why is it the official symbol of the iconic race?” To answer that question, Jack Fleming, the BAA’s president and CEO, said. “It’s probably one of our most frequently asked questions. People pause on it, they think about it.” He said the common belief is that the unicorn was on the family crest of one of the BAA’s founding members. That hasn’t been proven,” Fleming said. “But with the rich heritage up here — between the Scots and the English and the Irish — it’s a pretty good likelihood.” Fleming went to say that even if it once belonged to a family that had a coat of arms, the unicorn’s meaning and significance has since broadened.“The unicorn is a mythological figure that is meant to be pursued, but in that pursuit, you never catch [it],” he said. “So it inspires you to continue to try — to race harder in the case of running — and though it may be elusive, it really is the pursuit of the unicorn that makes you better and better and better.”

And you know, when it comes to official symbols or things that represent something else, there is perhaps no symbol that people associate more with Christianity than the cross. This token of the Christian faith not only represents the redemptive plan of God to reconcile all sinners to Him by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, his one and only Son, but that those who follow Jesus are set apart from the world and in a constant pursuit of Him above the things of this world. Paul said it this way, "Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died." In other words, Paul sought only the approval of God and those things that would further the Kingdom. He had no need for the things of this world and neither should we. 

So seek to be totally set apart from the world my friend. Boast in nothing "except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" knowing that the pursuit of Him and the crown of righteousness is the only pursuit that will truly matter in the end. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the cross is not merely an object hung on a wall or placed atop a church steeple but the symbol of God's great love for us shown by Jesus' death on the cross to reconcile us back to Him. Cause us to boast only in the cross and what our Savior did to save us so that we would live for the approval of only You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!