Standard Bearers

“The people left their tents to cross the Jordan, led by the priests carrying the Chest of the Covenant.” (Joshua 3:14 MSG)

I met Jayce during a long-distance, running race. She was one of the official pacers. At large, running events, a few participants are picked to run at specific speeds. The pacers are usually experienced runners who know the layout of the course. They prepare and train in advance for their role. Jayce ran the entire race holding up a sign that stated her assigned pace. I asked her about being a pacer. She said she was honored to carry the pacer stick. She felt the weight of the responsibility to stay on pace and motivate those around her. What impressed me most was how Jayce held back, even though she could have easily run faster. She encouraged those around her to do their best, even if that meant running ahead of her. However, she didn’t slow down if the other runners got tired. She kept the pace that was assigned to her. As a pacer, Jayce enabled the rest of the runners to go beyond their comfort zones and to push past physical and mental barriers.

The Jordan River represented a barrier between where the Israelites were and where they needed to be. Each individual had a role to play. The people had to leave their tents--the space where they felt safe, comfortable, and competent. The priests had to carry the Chest of the Covenant to the middle of the river and wait while the others crossed over the river. They modeled endurance, perseverance, discipline, and strength.

We all have particular missions at different times in our lives. Each role is significant in its own way and requires unique skills and training. Sometimes we are called to leave our comfort zones, push through imagined impediments, and do our personal best. Other times, we might be called to be the standard bearers. Our mission might be to enable others to progress past their ingrained limitations. We might have to hold back in order to hold a steady pace. Our hands might cramp up, and our feet might get weary, but we cannot falter. We must continue to hold up the banner--for there are many who are counting on us.