Derek Redmond is best remembered for performing at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. He wouldn’t have finished the race without his father’s help. Redmond was favored to win the 400-meter race when his hamstring snapped when he reached the backstretch of the track. His father, Jim Redmond, saw that his son was injured and knew he had to get to him. He doesn’t recall racing down the steps or pushing past security guards. When he reached his son, he told Derek that he didn’t have to finish; he had nothing to prove. Derek told his father he wanted to finish the race and asked for help getting back into his lane. Derek and Jim Redmond, arm and arm, finished the race together. When the two approached the finish line, the crowd was standing and cheering them on.

2 Samuel 9 – Redemptive Kindness

Jim Redmond’s kindness toward his son has become one of the most inspirational Olympic stories of all time. David’s friendship with Jonathan also resulted in a great act of kindness. Mephibosheth was only five years old when his father, Jonathan, was killed in battle. The boy was crippled when dropped by a fleeing nurse. David’s treatment of Jonathan’s sole survivor reveals his generous heart of love and kindness toward him. Mephibosheth received all of Saul’s remaining property and was even invited by David to live under the palace’s protection.

The world says, “God helps those who help themselves.” The world is wrong. God is the “Helper of the Helpless!” Spiritually, we are all “crippled in both feet” like Mephibosheth. Our sins have separated us from God, and we are in desperate need of healing. God saves us for the sake of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ! All who accept the Son’s sacrifice are accepted in Him (Ephesians 1).

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete are motivated by God’s kindness toward them even though they know they are undeserving. He gave His Son, proving His perfect love for us.

Bible Memory Verse – “And you shall keep the responsibility given by Yahweh your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, that you may be prosperous in all that you do and wherever you turn.” 1 Kings 2:3 (LSB)