I am so excited to be back in the pulpit on Sunday, August 18, and to see all of your faces. I have missed you while I was away. They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and it has certainly given me greater fondness for this wonderful congregation. Rebecca and I had the privilege of worshiping at several other churches during my sabbatical time, but it just wasn’t the same. They weren’t you. After several months away, we are most eager to be back at IPC, worshiping the God of grace with our church family and continuing to follow Jesus together. 

One of the things I enjoyed greatly these last few weeks of my sabbatical was watching the Olympics in Paris. It was a surprisingly emotional experience for me, watching the athletes and their families overcome with tears of joy as they celebrated incredible victories but also comforting and uplifting one another when they experienced great disappointment. I especially loved watching the way athletes from different countries showed respect for one another and celebrated each other’s achievements. It all gave me a glimpse into what the church is meant to be as we are called to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Rom 12:15). 

Some of my favorite events at the Olympics are the Track and Field races. I just love watching people push with everything they have to cross the finish line in victory. It got me thinking about our life of faith as we are called to “run with perseverance the race that is set before us” (Heb 12:1). Unfortunately, our society tempts us to get caught up in “running the rat race” instead, which is the title of my sermon for this Sunday.