[227 words]
On September 26, 2021, Elijah Saolo was about to win the Quad Cities Marathon in Illinois. As he sprinted down the final stretch, not only was he in the lead, he was on pace to set a record time!
But then, instead of turning right and following the designated path, he went straight and was automatically disqualified for running off the course.
Why did he do this? He was following a volunteer on a bike who had mistakenly gone the wrong way.
Race officials said he should have known better. Signs were clearly displayed and well-marked. Plus, there was a meeting the day before the race so that the runners could get familiar with the course.
He was disqualified. He lost a race he should have won. There was no excuse.
This reminds me of the “man of God from Judah” in 1 Kings 13. He was told to deliver a message to the king and to return immediately. He ended up stopping for dinner. He had been plainly told. There had been clear signs (the miracles performed). Thus, there was no excuse for unbelief or disobedience.
The lesson for us? There is no excuse for failing to know or to follow the Word of God. We don’t follow peers, social media groups, governments, et. al.—just Jesus! (John 15:22; Rom. 1:20; 2:1).
Bart Warren
South Green Street church of Christ
Glasgow, KY