Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
There are not too many people around who can recall the 1924 Summer Olympic Games that were held in Paris. But if I mention the title of a movie and song I believe you will have images of at least one of the competitors from those games: Chariots of Fire! The name of the competitor is Eric Liddell. He was known as the “Flying Scotsman.”
He will always be remembered as the man who refused to compete in the 100 meter race where he was almost certain to win a gold medal. He chose not to run in the race because it was held on Sunday. Knowing this, Eric trained in the 220 and 440 meter races. He won a gold medal in the 440 and a bronze in the 220.
Eric was born to missionaries with the China Inland Mission. Following the Olympics and after receiving his university degree, he returned to China and served as a missionary there, especially working with the poor and disabled. He married and had three children.
As World War II loomed, the Japanese army moved ever closer to the area where Eric and his family ministered. He sent his family back to Canada for their safety, but he remained to serve the people God had laid on his heart. When the Japanese arrived In 1943, he was interned at the Weihsien Internment Camp (in the modern city of Weifang) with the members of the China Inland Mission, Chefoo (now known as Yantai) School, and many others.
Liddell became a leader and organizer at the camp, but food, medicine and other supplies were scarce. There were many cliques in the camp and when some rich businessmen managed to smuggle in some eggs, Liddell shamed them into sharing them. Eric gave freely of himself and busied himself by helping the elderly, teaching at the camp school Bible classes, arranging games and by teaching science to the children, who referred to him as Uncle Eric.
Eric Liddell died from an inoperable brain tumor. His overwork and malnourishment may have hastened his death. He died on February 21, 1945, five months before liberation. He was greatly mourned, not only at the Weihsien Internment Camp, but also in Scotland. Langdon Gilkey was later to write, “The entire camp, especially its youth, was stunned for days, so great was the vacuum that Eric’s death had left.” According to a fellow missionary, Liddell’s last words were, “It’s complete surrender,” in reference to how he had given his life to his God.
In 2008, Chinese authorities revealed that Liddell had refused an opportunity to leave the camp and instead gave his place to a pregnant woman. Apparently, with Churchill’s approval, the Japanese made a deal with the British for prisoner exchange. This information was released near the time of the 2008 Beijing Olympics by the Chinese government and news of this act of sacrifice came as a surprise even to Eric’s family members. Now to me that is the mark of a real champion for Jesus!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil