Today, in 1945, Eric Liddell, the Scottish missionary to China whose story is perhaps most famously told in the movie The Chariots of Fire, died of a brain tumor in a Japanese concentration camp near the end of World War II.
Those of you who have seen the movie or perhaps read one of the biographies of Liddell's life will know that although this man was a phenomenal success in athletics, his greatest desire was to serve the Lord by ministering the good news of the gospel to others. On his return trip home from the Paris Olympics in 1924, after winning the gold medal in the 400m and the bronze medal in the 200m, the Glasgow Herald newspaper said this about him:
"The announcement that Liddell is to preach in the Scottish Kirk [church] at Paris (That event took place yesterday) serves as a reminder that our champion's main interest does not lie on the athletic field. To multitudes who know little of football or running, the name of E.H. Liddell is fast becoming known as a speaker to young men, whose presence in the pulpit or on the platform serves as a reminder that the finest athletic prowess often goes hand in hand with enthusiastic and effective spiritual work. Liddell's career on the running track may be drawing to a close, but his great work among young people in the interest of a vital and whole-hearted Christian discipleship is only just beginning, and the effects of that work are likely to be as far-reaching as the fruits are great. China is the goal Liddell has in front of him and having completed his science course at Edinburgh University, he looks forward to a period of combined theological training and evangelistic campaigning before following his brother out to the mission field."
Eric Liddell's favorite hymn was "Be Still, My Soul," and he requested it to be played on the Sunday before he died.
"Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side; Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end."
Amen!
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