May 4, 2026 – Daily Devotional
“Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” – 1 Corinthians 9:19
The Boston Marathon is a grueling 26.2-mile race. Over 30,000 elite runners gather in Boston in April to run this exclusive race. To run the Boston Marathon, runners must qualify with a specific time, based on age and gender, in a qualifying race. However, that does not guarantee entrance into the race. This year, some 3,000 applicants did not make the cut. It is a privilege and a challenge to run this marathon.
Running a marathon is the ultimate individual sport. Once the pistol fires at the starting line, runners begin the race, battling their opponents and their own bodies and minds. For the next several hours, they run, regardless of heat, cold, wind, rain, or physical pain. Each runner hopes to complete the race and beat their personal best time. Some are talented enough to win.
Ajay Haridasse was running this year’s Boston Marathon. Ajay is from Massachusetts. He was close to achieving his personal best time as he reached the 26-mile mark. Ajay had pushed himself as hard and fast as possible. With the end in sight, Ajay’s legs gave out. He collapsed. He got right back up, but he fell again. Ajay fell four times before he began to crawl towards the finish line. The crowds that lined the street began to cheer him on. They screamed as loud as they could, “You can do it!”
Runner after runner passed Ajay. That is, until Aaron Beggs came running by. Aaron was close to running his personal best, but he could not continue while Ajay struggled. Aaron Beggs is from Great Britain. Aaron stopped, turned around, and helped Ajay up. This inspired Robson De Oliveira from Brazil to stop and help as well. Aaron and Robson locked their arms around Ajay, and the three made it across the finish line together, to the great amazement and cheers of the crowd gathered along the street.
This moment of kindness is highly unusual in a race like the Boston Marathon. You can be disqualified from a race if you physically help another across the finish line. Robson and Aaron did not consider this possibility while helping Ajay. Three strangers, from different parts of the world, showed the power of kindness. When Ajay was interviewed about this helpful act, he told the news, “I was shocked, honestly. The more I think about it now… There was no reason for either of them to do that. It was insane. It is the greatest feeling ever.”
So much of our time and effort is focused on ourselves. To complete a marathon is a remarkable personal accomplishment. However, to help another person succeed is one of the best things we can do. When we care for one another, we all accomplish great things.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
