Long before I was born (well, honestly, just three years before), a world record was broken in 1954, forever altering history. While many records may come to mind, the one I am referring to involved a man named Roger Bannister.
Not familiar with that name? Here are some clues. Bannister was an athlete. Not ringing a bell? He was a runner. Still not ringing a bell? One last detail. He dared to push past the barriers of impossibility to become the first person to run what was considered to be unreachable, a mile in under 4 minutes.
Before breaking the world record, Bannister was running with the memory of his 2-year-old disappointment still burning within him. At the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Bannister had set a goal and fully expected to win the 1,500 meters, the metric mile. But Bannister was jostled during the race, never got into contention, and finished fourth. Only a remarkable performance down the road could erase the disappointment. He achieved this great feat at the Iffley Road Track in Oxford on May 6, 1954, by running the first sub-4-minute mile in recorded history with a finish time of 3 minutes 59.4 seconds.
What is the significance of Bannister’s feat of strength and endurance? This is so powerful — if one person could accomplish this feat, then others could too. Once the door had been opened, once a precedent had been set, it became plausible and possible for others to break through. Just 46 days later, on June 21, 1954, Bannister’s record was broken by his rival, John Landy, in Turku, Finland, with a time of 3 minutes 57.9 seconds. More records were to be established in the days and years to come, bringing the current world record to 3 minutes 43.13 seconds.
The Day of Pentecost marked a milestone and turning point in God’s relationship with ALL people, both young and old(er). (I put “er” to include those of us who haven’t reached the old status.) In reading the Old Testament, we find only a few select occasions when God spoke to children or used them for His purposes. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost marked a new dimension for God’s relationship with children. Peter announced in his message on the Day of Pentecost that a new day had arrived. No longer would His Spirit rest upon a few, select individuals. Upon the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, His Spirit could now enable and equip ALL, which would include “you and your children” (Acts ). Now, the door had been opened. The precedent had been established. The promise had been given (Joel ) and fulfilled so that ALL children could boldly speak forth the Word of the Lord. “Your children shall prophesy.” (Acts ).
The purpose of this week’s blog is to remind you that the precedent has been established. Because of the Day of Pentecost and the outpouring of God’s Spirit, children and children’s ministries all over the world are to enjoy what was once impossible. The door is now wide open for children to go where they were once forbidden or restricted. Dad, Mom, Sunday school teacher, and children’s ministry worker, come on in to a powerful relationship with the Holy Spirit AND bring your children along with you!
