John 20:4.
”Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.”

The story of Stephen Akhwari, a 1968 marathon runner, provides useful lessons for all who would run the race of life.

Stephen although he had a wounded knee and dislocation, still managed to cross the finishing line later after the race had ended, much to the applause of the spectators at the stadium.

When asked why he didn’t pull out of the race, he said:“my country didn’t send me 5000miles to start the race, they sent me 5000miles to finish the race.” That’s profound!

Similarly, the story of the race of the Apostles towards the tomb of Jesus is very revealing.

1. John outran Peter and got to the tomb first. (vrs 4).
   Many are preoccupied with outrunning others so they can be first. Yet the Bible says “the last shall be the first”. Matt 20:16. In our key Scripture for today, we see that even though John got to the tomb first, he did not enter and also did not see Jesus.
2. Peter got in after John, went inside the tomb, but he also could not find the Lord.
   Never worry yourself about those who go ahead of you, they may eventually not become any better than you. They are not your focus, Jesus is.
3. Mary Magdalene was the last to leave the tomb, yet she was the one the Lord revealed Himself to. Mary’s determination paid off eventually. She saw the Lord after the other disciples had given up their search and gone back home.(John 20:10-11).

Dear friend, it doesn’t matter who has gone ahead of you, if you can stay focused on your assignment, determined and persevere, the best could be reserved for you.

The Apostle Paul puts it this way; “for I am the least of the Apostles..but by the grace of God I am what I am…and His grace to me was not without effect”.

Receive the finishing grace to run the race set out for you!

Further reading : John 20:3-18.