Today is the last day of a long narrative.
For the past month, a large group of cyclists have been peddling furiously through several European countries in the famed yearly Tour de France. Even though it may appear on the course that each of the 176 riders are battling it out for himself, there are actually 22 teams with eight riders per team. And a lot of strategy, both visible and under the radar of the spectator.
The race is not random maneuvering, struggling, beating out the next guy, determining who is fastest, who is strongest, who is the best, but relies on intricate details of planning and striving and strength built up in layers during years of training.
The teams are actually that: teams. Working together not just for personal individual glory but for the team. The winners have not risen to the top on their own. The strongest rider on the team --even in the whole peloton-- may not be the winner of the race, but those who are called a domestique, the one who uses his strength to get his leader across the line.
The leaders cannot do it on their own. And they know it.
But do we? How do we serve in God's Kingdom? How do we come alongside others to help and encourage and support others in their own faith journey, struggles and story? This is the gospel story on wheels.
But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,
even as the Son of Man came not to be served,
but to serve
and give His life as a ransom for many.
Matthew 20. 27-28
After the triumphant entry into Paris today, at the end of the Tour de France, watching that continuous colorful ribbon of riders, what will these men remember most? The privilege of being part of something much bigger than themselves. What we do, how we respond, how we see others and love them does not just change the outcome, but the journey. Ultimately these riders will remember the stories and how their lives are inextricably woven together.
It is not a matter of who gets to the line first, but the camaraderie is what we most cherish. And what we most need. That kind of fellowship and community is only created by loving and serving each other.
God, make me a domestique today. Help me to see differently, be sensitive and responsive to the needs of others around me. And sweat for the well-being of the saints. Not just to get someone across the line, but that we may all know You more by simply helping someone on our course. For Your glory alone, O God.
And let us not grow weary of doing good,
for in due season we will reap,
if we do not give up.
So then, as we have opportunity,
let us do good to everyone,
and especially to those
who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6. 9-10
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