“Almost Home”…

SCRIPTURE: “But whatever happens… I WILL RUN.” (2 Samuel 18:23) 

OBSERVATION: Ahimaaz, son of Zadok, was a Frontlines Messenger commissioned to bring good news to the King. But this was not that day. The King’s son was dead. Absolam had been impaled by not one but three spears through the heart, while hanging from a tree.

How, you may ask? A turn of events sent this rebellious son and so-called leader into the thicket of the great oaks by his spooked mule that kept on running from fear of David’s soldiers in pursuit. The arms of the great oak trees violently ripped Absolam from the saddle hanging by his hair, helpless… You can’t make this stuff up?! It’s almost like Treebeard from Fangorn Forest leading the Last March of The Ents in the LOTR… Hehe, well maybe not 😉

Back in the General’s Tent, stood two young men. The Cushite received his marching orders to bring King David the bitter news. Victory was his, but at the cost of his son’s life.  As the Cushite ran out of the tent to complete his mission, there remained another standing at attention. Ahimaaz stood by as an unqualified messenger. You see, his job was to run with Good News. This was not his race to run. Yet his request broke the silence in an unconventional way:

Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and bring the king news that the Lord has freed him from the hand of his enemies.” ²⁰ But Joab said to him, “You are not the man to carry news this day, but you shall carry news another day; however, you shall carry no news today because the king’s son is dead.” ²¹ Then Joab said to the Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” So the Cushite bowed to Joab and ran. ²² Now Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said once more to Joab, “But whatever happens, please let me also run after the Cushite.” And Joab said, “Why would you run, my son, since you will have no reward for going?” ²³ “But whatever happens,” he said, “I will run.” So he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and passed up the Cushite.

APPLICATION: “But whatever happens… I will run.”

I’ve been thinking about this principle of being a Frontlines Messenger for decades.  I’ve journaled multiple times about Ahimaaz’ story. Recently, the movie 1917 was an epic adventure that put my imagination of Trench Warfare and these Runners on the screen.  If you haven’t seen it. Go watch it… Today!

Every Christian has a calling this side of heaven that will carry over throughout eternity. Hearts carry the life saving message of Jesus Christ into their spheres of influence. The Good News travels with us, even to the most remote corners of the world. Over the years and even recently, I’ve been inspired by meeting men and women who share their faithfulness following Jesus in their Family, Business, Studies, Marriage, Ministry, Missionary adventures and more…

So for me, this morning… I suppose I’m reminded of the “Why” behind the running.  Ahimaaz respected those in authority by asking for permission to run. When he was told no, that it wasn’t in his job description, Ahimaaz declared that he was going to run the race no matter what.

It was his heart’s cry and passion that fueled his desire to run with all his might to be beside his King when the Cushite brought the bitter news from the frontlines. I want to be that man. How about you? Does your heart beat a bit faster at the thought of giving it all you have for the ones you love? I’ve been there.

But what happens when you’ve been on the frontlines far too long? Some give up. Some are casualties of war. Some are prisoners of war. Others are the rare few that travel through all of those life chapters and more… and yet, Never Give Up.

They somehow got back up again and again and again… & are still running the race?! This is a glimpse into my story. I am Eric Richard Robison, a Bible Communicator & Bridge Builder.  A Gentle General in the Kingdom.

Scars and all… I’m still running my race. Doesn’t make sense. Unconventional at best. Misunderstood by most. Yet, now more than ever, I have a conviction and passion to run the race for an audience of one.  I run with and follow Jesus.

“Off the Map” was a phrase I titled this blog to journal my journeys with Jesus years ago. After nearly 7 years into this adventure, I’m more confident now than ever that I’m on the right path and pace.  It may not look nor feel like it at times. That’s ok. Good stories have protagonists, antagonists, conflict, betrayal, victory and a message that withstands time.

In order to have such a song and a story… I’ve chosen to never give up.  I’ve chosen to count the cost. I’ve chosen to give my life time and time and time again for legacy sake. My heart cry over the years on this platform to Jesus is simply “Make it Count”….

In other words, “But Whatever Happens… I Will Run.”

I have a Song & a Story… So Do You!

I cracked my Bible open the other night on my nightstand when I couldn’t sleep and read the words of King David that pretty much sums it up:

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.
² He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
³ He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
  They will put their trust in the Lord.” (Psalm 40:1-3)

All of us are Wayfaring Strangers in this land. However, don’t for a moment believe the journey is for not! Our lives this side of heaven, if placed in the hands of Jesus, will have eternal impact. Lives depend on it.

Did you hear it too?… That kick to the side followed by a voice overhead waking me out of my slumber, “Robison… Pick a Man. Bring Your Kit.” Now we both stand at attention in the General’s Tent. I’ve been on the Frontlines… I know what awaits us… and yet my heart cry remains, “Whatever Happens… I Will Run.”

Are you with me?

PRAYER:  Jesus… Make it Count. WAYFARING STRANGER

“The Victor’s Crown”…

SCRIPTURE: “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:21-22)

OBSERVATION:  Jesus is victorious.  He has overcome.  He wears the victor’s crown.  He is the victor’s crown.

APPLICATION:  Jesus wins.  The Question is, will we choose to follow Him on the path to victory?  It’s easier said than done at times.

I’m learning that no matter what comes my way, Jesus has already won.  I need to live this out fully. Following Jesus this side of heaven has a definite sense of mystery.  Sometimes victory is packaged in common sense.  At other times, not so much.

I do pretty well at common sense decisions.  But I hesitate when Jesus asks me to follow Him off the well worn path of least resistance and off into the woods trailblazing our own trail.  I’m better at it now.  In fact, I’m ruined in a way, because it seems as though that’s all I’ve been doing for so many years.  I long to just rest and let my feet find one another on smooth ground.  But that’s not who I am.  That’s not who I’ve been created to be.  Ha… I’ve heard God tell me time and time again that I’m not normal.  He he… wasn’t quite sure how to take that at first.  But then waves of qualifying truths from my Heavenly Father cleared up what this meant.  I’m unconventional.  I like that.  It’s who I am.

The other day, my best friend and I were talking about overcoming and what he’s needing prayer about. His pastor was helping him as a sounding board.  At the end of his rendition of this conversation, I started laughing connecting with him in every way!  While laughing, I confirmed for him what I already knew to be true, “And he shook his head and said that you aren’t normal!  He didn’t know how to deal with your response!  He was speechless and was at a loss for words!  He has never met anyone like you!… Right!?”… As we were both laughing, he responded predictably, “Yep!” he he he.

I know my best friend and he knows me.  We can usually finish each other’s sentences and predict when we are going to need help in life circumstances.  After the past 2 years, he now looks to me as the line of measurement for all conflict.  “What would Eric do?”…

I’m not normal.  I’m unconventional.

This brings confidence at times, while at others great insecurities.  Ever been there before? Seeing others around you doing so well in a season of life when you are struggling?  Wishing you were more like other people?  Comparing your life to others?  This will kill you.

I’ve been there before and fight against this still today.  But more and more I’m a man who has accepted that I’m not normal and my unconventional title has been given because of my faith to follow Jesus where few go.  I have a life story of overcoming.  I have chapters upon chapters of victory because of who Jesus is.  He has led me to the finish line one race at a time.

Granted, most of the comparisons in my life are with people who for whatever reason have little to no conflict.  I don’t understand that.  Wish I did.  Pray for more of that.  But when the gun goes off and the runners bolt out of the blocks into this free for all race of life, I find myself running with few people who train like I do.  I’m not the fastest runner.  I’m not a front-runner.  I’m a finisher.

Many people look great out there at the beginning of the race.  New shoes and expensive tech gear along with matching outfit… I’ve learned to laugh at those people.  Yes, they look good.  So what.  Most of them go out too fast and hit the wall and won’t even finish the race.

When my eyes scan the pre-race crowd, I stop at those who are off to the side and draw no attention to themselves.  Often they have headphones in and are slowly jogging apart from the other runners.  They don’t have the best of the best and they usually have shoes that are worn, dirty and tested.  These are the runners that I watch.  They are real runners.  They will finish the race, guaranteed.

I’m at a place in my life right now that I’ve had to give up my passion of trail running and marathons in order to cash in all my time to love and lead my three kids the very best I can.  I don’t have the best job.  I don’t have the best salary.  Don’t have many things others have at this stage of life.  But I’m still in the race and I will finish strong!  Guaranteed.

Some hate me for reasons I still don’t understand.  They’ve accused me of awful things that I’ve never done.  So many lies have been told about me over the years…  They declare that ‘everyone’ hates how I act like a leader all the time and that I always act like I’m better than every one.  Interesting…

I don’t and won’t defend against these lies.  My life will speak for itself.  I know who I am.  I am Eric Richard Robison.  I’m a Bridge Builder and a Bible Communicator.  I am called to be a husband and a Father.  Jesus has a calling on my life.  I am called to be a messenger following Jesus in faith.  My legacy has, is and will be one of simple faith overcoming anything and anyone who comes against me.  I am called to run this race of life in such a way that my story points people to Jesus.

This is why people hate me.  So be it.  I won’t answer to these people.  I answer to my King Jesus.  He is the Victor’s Crown.  He has already won any fight that comes my way.  My job is to remain faithful to Jesus.  He will lead me.  He will be my pace-setter.  He will get me to the finish line.  We will finish together!

So this morning, I’m at a place of reflection taking inventory from where I’ve come from and where I’m going.  A runner must know what kind of race he’s running.  I’ve ran 4×100 relays, 6k’s, 10k’s, half marathons, marathons, trail marathons, and ultra marathons as a pacer for my Dad.  Running 38 miles helping my Dad get to his finish line of the 100 miles during the 1995 Western States 100 changed me in many ways.  I suppose that’s one of the reasons I’m “unconventional”… and this is not by chance.  God knows what He’s doing.

My entire life was training for this past season.  I cashed in all I had in order to run the race in such a way that victory and legacy would be secured in Jesus’ name.  It wasn’t easy.  I never want to do that again. Don’t have to.  I have victory.  I finished the race.  It is finished.  Jesus led me through every step of the way.  He is the Victor’s Crown!

While visiting and supporting a friend and mentor of mine in Australia, he walked me through some of the battles in WWI and the significance of sacrifice the Australian men gave for their country…and principle.  After that, I’ve been intrigued by those who fought in the WWI Trench Warfare arena.  My Great Grandpa Cecil Robison was one of those men on a different front.  A survivor.

These soldiers had lines of communication between camps.  When bombs and shrapnel cut these chords, chosen men had to run for their lives through top side with bullets buzzing all around them with no shelter.  They were literally human targets for the Turks.  Snipers’ delight was taking down these runners who’s life expectancy was only 24hrs in the battle lines.  Take a look at one of these heroes in this video clip who lived this first hand:

I’ve been in no war.  And yet… in a way, I have.  Yes, I said that.  Proud?  Don’t think so.  If you know me at all, you know I’m not a prideful man.  I most often err on the side of humility. But war changes a man. The gray areas of life fade away and what remains is light and darkness.  Life and death remains.  This is where I’ve been.  I’ve finished that race.  I was chosen and called to be a “Runner” in order to save the lives of many.  My kids and I now have life and legacy because of the courage and faith it took to follow Jesus where few ever go.  Into the line of fire for the sake of saving lives.

I have scars from that season.  I’m not ashamed of them.  I now look from where I’ve been and give glory to Jesus for leading me through a season I shouldn’t have survived.  I should be a casualty.  I should be in a place of bitterness and brokenness from betrayal.  Instead, I am a man who chooses to follow my King Jesus through any season.  He has led me to a place of peace, provision and promise.  He has overcome. He is the victory.  He is the Victor’s Crown.

How does one follow Jesus through such seasons?  One step at a time with uncompromising determination.  It’s a focus that I’ve only experienced a few times in my life.  Everything else becomes a blur.  The only thing that matters is the step in front of you.  One step at a time will get you to the finish line.  If you break this focus, fear will grip you… cause you to hesitate, leaving you an easy target for the enemy sniper who’s had you in his sights the entire time just waiting and hoping for this opportune moment.

The determining factor is the ability to focus on the finish line one step at a time.  No hesitation. Not even for a second!  Once you cross the finish line and deliver the message that was entrusted to you, that is when you faint and fall into the arms of those who can care for your wounds in the tent of healing. Until then… RUN!

This is a difficult scene to watch, but does a good job at depicting the importance of such ‘Runners’ in WWI.  Lives were at stake and they ran in such a way to save their mates…

I suppose this morning is a reminder for me to remember who I am, from where I’ve come from and where I’m going.  It’s a new season.  The war is over.  It’s a time of peace.  There truly is a season for everything.

It’s in this season of peace, protection, provision and promise that I look back on my life chapters and I tear up knowing that I shouldn’t be here.  I have a future and a hope.  And this hope will be walked out with gratefulness knowing Jesus is my victory.  I would not have been able to navigate what was hurled upon so well left to my own devices.  I would have been a casualty.  But I’m not.  I’ve followed Jesus’ every step leading me to victory and such a finish line… Jesus is my victory.  Jesus is the Victor’s Crown.

I’m so grateful.

PRAYER:  Thank You Jesus for all You have done in my life.  I know there is much more to come.  But from this point on, there will be blessings.  You will make it all count.  I have legacy.  Thank You for leading me to victory.  Even though I’m ‘Unconventional’ at best… thanks for creating me to be the man my kids need me to be in this season.  I’m so looking forward to what this season of peace has for me, my kids, my family.  We choose You Jesus… You are the Victor’s Crown!