In 1980 millions of people were touched by the courage and determination of a young Canadian man named Terry Fox who, although crippled by the terrible disease of cancer, was determined to run from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Vancouver, British Columbia to raise money for cancer research. A few miles east of Thunder Bay, Ontario there is a very impressive monument marking the end of Terry’s “Marathon of Hope.” Anyone traveling the thousands of miles of hilly country between that point and St. John’s cannot help but be amazed at the courage and determination of this boy with an artificial leg.
We can think back to others in the past who, through research and determination, conquered diseases such as tuberculosis, smallpox and polio. Although Terry was not able to finish what he set out to do, the millions of dollars that he raised will go far in helping to find a cure for this disease as well.
There is, however, a disease far worse than cancer for which man’s research will never find a cure. Everyone has this disease, and it is fatal. It is called sin. But there is a cure provided by a loving God for anyone who will take it. The determination of Terry Fox reminds us not only of the determination, but also of the deep love of the Lord Jesus Christ who died on the cross to provide a cure for the disease of sin. “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:55But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5). A man would be foolish if a cure for cancer were found and he refused to accept it. But are you ignoring or refusing to accept God’s cure for the disease of sin? “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:99If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9).
Have you accepted the cure?
ML-05/04/1986