Out of the Gate

AND THEIR OFF

For horse racing in the United States yesterday was the highlight event as the Kentucky Derby took place in front of 158,000 plus fans in  Louisville, while millions of other fans watched on television. At the  beginning of the race the horses are placed in stalls at the starting gate as waiting for the key moment when the gates are opened as they burst out full of pent up energy on their way around the 1 1/4 mile oval.  What makes these horses go? Many of hours of training with the jockey who becomes one with the horse during these times. A horse will not respond to the commands of a stranger nor does the horse. Such it is with ourselves and Jesus the shepherd.

THE ENDLESS TRACK

Jesus opens the gate  daily for us as we sometimes with vigor and other times sluggishly enter into

the stream of life. At times life itself seems a race around and endless track with no finish. Hopes are dashed with failures, illness, and brokenness.   There seems to be many dead ends and perilous paths on this journey and one may find the road just too overwhelming too take. There is need for escape, but to where?

After Jesus was crucified the disciples did not dare venture out to continue the ministry.  For them the gate was as good as closed. It was a dead end. Fear dominated them as they cowered in the upper room.  But as Jesus promised he appeared bringing a new sense of life.  Just as the horse who seems to lag as it races around the track and who with the prodding of the jockey suddenly regains strength and surges forward are we who need the urging of Jesus through the Spirit to carry on.

PATIENT SUFFERING

During a horse race the fans are full of angst as their favorite horse may falter and seem to be have lost the race or seems to be caught in the crowd. Just watch the faces of these people and you can see a wide range of emotions. But when the horse surges ahead the demeanor changes. Faces light up with joy, hands are raised, voices rise in exaltation. Peter talks of patient suffering in the second reading today.  We are told that this is good for this is a grace.  The horse and jockey that have trained for the big race undoubtedly experienced failure during the journey. We too come upon hardship and sufferings yet we find strength in the Risen Christ, the shepherd who guides us along right path. 

We may be challenged by voices that tend to divert us from our journey with seemingly rewarding promises of satisfaction and glory. But much like the horse that is reigned in or guided by the jockey as it works through the crowded path to the finish line, we to are guided as well. 

THE PATH TO ABUNDANT LIFE

Once the Kentucky Derby is over the winner is joined by the trainers, owners and others in the Winner's Circle. The jockey and the horse is adorned with a beautiful bouquet of roses, the owner and trainer are given the trophy which is hoisted to the delight of those who followed and bet on the horse. For those who bet on the winner, there is a celebration in the windfall of money they have gained.  Jesus also guides as us the Shepherd to winner's circle. Along the path there are rewards for work well done, just as a horse is rewarded for a good workout, but the ultimate prize is at the end, the eternal reward.