“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” — 1 Peter 5:4 

The Crown of Glory

It is almost time for the Comrades Marathon again. On June 10, 20,000 runners will start the grueling 90km race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in South Africa. The Comrades is the oldest and largest ultra-marathon in the world, with the first race happening in 1921 featuring 48 runners competing.

Last year, American Camille Herron finished first. “Winning Comrades is probably the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me other than meeting my husband,” Herron said.

Camille worked hard and overcame all kinds of obstacles to finally win the race — to finally win the prize. But, next year it starts all over again. A winner’s glory is short-lived. The shine of it fades away. Next year there may be someone else who is the man or woman of the moment.

But there is a race that gives a prize that will not fade away.

Peter talks about the hard and often thankless work of being a leader in the church. It may not achieve much glory here on earth, but there will be an eternal reward for those who do this work faithfully. Let’s persevere like an ultra-marathon athlete in the work of discipling, caring and even suffering for those we lead. And when we get knocked down by life, let’s get up and come back stronger.

— Stephan van der Merwe

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