Psalm 50
The Royal Albatross is a magnificent bird that will fly across vast expanses of ocean to provide food for its young.
It is too easy for Christians to be simply like seagulls on the promenade, waiting around for easy pickings rather than venturing out into uncharted waters to truly seek after and pursue God.
In his letter to the Philippian church Ch3 v14, Paul affirms “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”. He compares the pursuit of the Christian life to the motivation of an athlete who is focussed on winning his race.
Significantly, Paul describes himself in the previous verse as “forgetting what is behind”! He has no intention of being bogged down by past sins and failures but looks ahead to Jesus as his ultimate goal.
To be victorious, an athlete needs to train vigorously and, like the Royal Albatross, be prepared to journey far and search diligently to reach his goal.
God desires His best for His people but often reveals Himself more fully to those who are prepared to venture forth and pursue after Him.
