“Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and outran the Cushite.” (2 Samuel 18:23 ESV).
“Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.” (John 20:4 ESV).
In both the Old and New Testament readings today, men ran a race with urgent news tied to the fate of a son. In 2 Samuel, Ahimaaz insisted on running to King David with news of of his son Absalom’s defeat. Though he outran the Cushite messenger, he left the tragic news of Absalom’s death to the Cushite. In John’s Gospel, Peter and John ran to the tomb of Jesus after hearing that it was empty. John outran Peter, arriving first, but hesitated at the opening of the tomb, allowing Peter to enter alone.
These races are not just about who arrived first. They are about news—one of sorrow, the other of joy. And behind each son lies a deeper contrast. Absalom, whose name means “father of peace,” rebelled against his own father, was killed while hanging in a tree and buried in a pit covered with stones. Jesus, the true “Prince of Peace,” submitted to His Father’s will, was hung on a tree (a cross), buried in a tomb covered with a stone, but rose again on the third day. One son’s death brought defeat and mourning. The other Son’s brought victory over death, eternal life and joy!
We are running a race too—life’s race. But what news do we carry? As believers, we carry the good news of the risen Son. Let us therefore run with it and share it to all the world. So that one day we might say along with the apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for sending Jesus, the true Prince of Peace. Help us run with the good news of His death and resurrection for forgiveness of sins. Fill us with purpose to proclaim life where there was death, hope where there was sorrow. May we be faithful to run life’s race for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.