Sprint

The end of another year is upon us. It never fails that when mid-November rolls around, time immediately telescopes, and we are keel-hauled, with unrelenting velocity, into the closing Christmas chapter. The gravity well of the festive season is so incredibly powerful, resistance is futile. Overnight, advertising campaigns turn up volume and all the throw-away glamor and garnish of carnal X-mas springs up. Blasting forth from every speaker is the massacre of simple carols by contemporary 'artists'. It’s an interesting way to wrap up; sort of like ruthlessly ripping a tenacious bandage off to spare prolonged pain.

But don’t let me side-track on hum-bug. In all the cacophony, the significance of the dwindling days of the year may be lost, so pay attention. These are precious, extraordinary hours, the last opportunity to press in for every good thing promised in prophecy, but not yet manifest in reality. It’s not too late to eke out every last bit of anointed juice from this, the 2019 Year of Our Lord.

I can’t speak for you, of course, but I don’t intend to either fail to perform, nor receive, everything Kairos in this time. Destiny requires it in the coming days, so neglecting to collect all the goodies is not an option. The person, opportunity or resource you may side-eye suspiciously, possibly even be tempted to spurn, could be the key that unlocks the treasury later on. Don’t despise the day of small things, because usually, it’s a heart-test for promotion readiness. Here in the closing moments of a December denouement, it’s easy to be blinded by the glitter, so the eye of the vigilant is trained on the true star of the East.

Jesus is Alpha and Omega. Grasp this, because this reality is particularly important in the termination of one year and the birthing forth of another. He’s Despotes, Lord, not simply over communication, but over time itself. To human life, time is a tyrant, a traitor, and a task-master that we never quite best. We scramble tumbling in its wake, trying to ride the backdraft, aware only on the most primitive level of the weightiness and the expensive swiftness of passage…the swirl of age and aeon. The Son of Man alone marshals time, expanding and contracting it to Kingdom agenda. Though it feels like it, we are not it's slaves. He redeems precious hours that we’ve so foolishly squandered or selfishly lavished. In the closing days, I’m clinging to this:

…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it… Philippians 1:6 NKJV

I’ve said it before; 2019 was a whirlwind. The whole season reminds me of the 2 Kings 18 saga of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Oh, the drama, the passionate showdown, that marked the end of a 3-year famine and the activation of a new era. After all the confrontation, fire fell from heaven, vindicating the prophet, and settling the matter of idolatry in Israel. Remember how, in the final moments, Elijah prayed seven times for the promised rains, not discounting the closing hours, but tenaciously pressing in. Sure enough, a tiny little cloud appeared, producing far greater downpour than its size had portended. Remember how the prophet girded up his loins, for the final sprint? There’s still time to outrun the chariots!

As a track and field athlete, I can tell you that we’ve come around the final curve, and the last 100-meter straightaway stretches ahead. It’s all a blur. You’ve got to ignore the vicious cramp in your muscles, the burning pain to draw each breath, the distraction of screaming fans. Never mind, other, possibly better, athletes straining ruthlessly abreast. There’s one goal and one only, to pound down those final yards with everything you’ve got in you and then some. The final sprint is the most important, so throw yourself forwards to break that tape. Give this year every remaining bit of concentration you’ve possess. It ain’t over, till it’s really over.

Where is Omega working in your life? His activity in this office is wonderfully singular, so don’t miss it. He’s the Closer.

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Revelation 22:13 NKJV

Here at this critical juncture, do you recognize your final tasking? What is important? What is Omega bringing to an end? As your rear-guard, what enemies has He cut off? What lies on the slag-heap, discarded, and never to be revisited? What new advantages, opportunities or advancements are arising? As you welcome Emmanuel in Christmas splendor, what chapters is He closing the door upon?

Finish it.

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 NKJV

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