Like Shawn shared on Sunday, I have run a couple of full length marathons (the whole 26.2 miles).
It is a grueling but awesome experience. In my first full marathon experience, as I approached the finish line, I felt a sudden wave of emotion that I wasn't prepared for. I was so excited and relieved that I was going to finish that I wanted to cry. There wasn't, however, enough fluid left in my body to produce tears. I couldn't! But I remember the elation, excitement and exhaustion of crossing that finish line. I was done.
Most of us think of heaven like a finish line. We will think we will cross elated, excited and exhausted and ready for an eternal rest. The Bible doesn't picture it this way. Rather than a finish line, heaven is a starting line! The start of an eternity of never-ending time in the presence of God and Jesus and those who have given their lives to follow him where we will be able to enjoy God's presence forever.
Will we be elated? I believe so. Will we be excited? You'd better believe it. Will we be exhausted? I don't think that thought will cross our minds.
Run for that starting line and I believe we'll be able to truly express as the Apostle Paul did in 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful." (https://my.bible.com/bible/116/2TI.4.7)
-Jim Clark, runner