Running the Race

The Apostle Paul was a man who loved a good fight, he loved the race, he knew what he was willing to die for and, more importantly, he knew what he was willing to live for. Some number of months ago, I heard a great story about the Persian War. I researched and reviewed this legend to relay it to you this morning (the story is based on the links at the end of the post).

If you review a map of Paul’s missionary journeys and superimpose those journeys over a map of the battles and troop movements of the Persian Wars (some 500 years earlier)… you would see that Paul’s mission trips and those battles match very closely. Paul preached and ministered in a land where magnificent and long standing myths, legends and heroes were visible and tangible in the culture, the architecture, the government and the military.

And it was in this context were Paul witnessed and proclaimed the love of God in Jesus. When and where he said things like “24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. (Acts 20)”

Five hundred years before Paul ministered in cities like Athens and Corinth, there were great wars and battles fought for man’s freedom. The Greeks would fight the Persians in this ancient land as a democratic rebellion against tyranny. The Athenians, in particular, were engaged in this battle for freedom and would win and lose over some fifty year period. This struggle would reach a climax when the Persians desired to punish Athens for their role in a rebellion and the destruction of a Persian city (Sardis).

A battle ensued and the Persians were met by one of their former soldiers Miltiades. The Athenians were greatly outnumbered. By some accounts 10,000 Athenians to 30,000 Persians. If the Greeks loose this battle – Greek power, culture, art, government and its influence on history is ruined. Europe is likely overtaken and the world as we know – never was.

Miltiades, recognizing that the Athenians are greatly outnumbered, sends his fastest runner – a man named Phidippides 140 miles to the city of Sparta to gain the support of their rivals to fight the common Persian enemy. However, the Spartans are in the middle of a religious festival and refuse to leave until the next full moon. Phidippides returns 140 miles over 2 days and 2 nights to fight along side his country men in the Battle of Marathon. He dons his battle gear and with his comrades looks down upon an army who inspires fear, who is better trained, and who has greater numbers. And now, their General tells them to advance at great speed toward the enemy – a very unusual tactic (to avoid the enemies arrows). Few likely believe they will make it out of this battle alive. But they are willing to die for their country and their freedom.

The two armies collide in fierce hand to hand combat with great spears, swords and the clanging of shields. Phidippides, who had run nearly 300 miles prior to this day, is among the thick of the battle. And beyond all probability the Athenians defeat the Persians and run them into the sea. Victory at Marathon is complete and now the Greeks must attempt to kill the Persian army and destroy their ships before they can board and sail to Athens.

But to no avail, more than a few hundred ships escape the hands of the Athenians. Now word must be sent to Athens to inform them of this great victory and to call them to arms to protect the city. Miltiades must turn to his fastest runner once again to cover the distance of 26 miles between Marathon and Athens. Phidippides knows he must well outrun the Persian fleets and cover mountainous terrain, he casts off his battle gear… he puts aside the memory and the fatigue of the hand-to-hand combat, the 280 miles he has already covered. The level of fatigue and exhaustion were beyond human experience, BUT his freedom and the freedom of his family and country were at stake and drove him through each painful stride. Phidippides reaches his beloved Athens and cries out NIKE! Victory! And it is with this single word, the last stride of the run and with this breath that Phidippides dies.

This is the legend heard by the Athenians, Corinthians, likely the Thessolians, the Philippians and the Romans. This is the 26 mile run – that we still use to commemorate this battle to this day - called a marathon. This is the legend and backdrop in the book of Hebrews…

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12)

And in the Apostle Paul’s words…

7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4)
24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. (Acts 20)

Map of Paul's Missionary Journeys
Map of Ancient Greece
Illustrated Persian Wars
Marathon - Quick Overview
Marathon with Links
Pheidippides
YouTube History Channel Documentary