From Fame to Shame

In the 84th Boston Marathon in 1980, Rosie Ruiz (pictured) was the first woman to cross the finish line. As she climbed to the winner's podium to accept her wreath, officials noticed that she looked remarkably fresh and sweat-free for having run two hours and 32 minutes.

Upon investigation, no one could remember seeing her during the race. Monitors at the race checkpoints hadn't seen her, not had any of the runners. Finally, a few members of the crowd came forward to reveal that they had seen her jump into the race during the final half mile and sprint to the finish line. Rosie was disqualified, stripped of her title, and became another member of the Hall of Shame. (Museumof Hoaxes.com)

Before we condemn Rosie for cheating, let me ask you a few questions. Have you ever cheated on a test? What about cheating at golf or on your taxes? Kept the extra change the cashier gave you? Probably so. We have no right to cast stones. We're all members of the Hall of Shame. We've all done things we're ashamed of. "There is none righteous, not even one." (Rom. 3:10)

The great news is God offers forgiveness. "If you, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with Thee." (Ps. 30:3-4) If you need forgiveness, call out to Jesus with a sincere heart. He will wipe the record clean and give you a new start--so that you can finish running the race of life as a winner.
Keep looking up!
Kent
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Previous devotionals can be found at http://www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com/ in the archive.