Google the standing high jump at the Summer Olympics, and we learn it’s been on the program every year since 1896. However, the record jumps for men and women have been set in the past two decades. How is that possible?
It depends on how we jump.
At one time, jumpers simply jumped. One leg went over, and then the next, in a scissors style. They were over the bar, but sitting up. There was a better way.
Then came the eastern cut-off, or what is known in Europe as the Lewden scissors, a jump usable by only the most flexible jumpers. The body is twisted flat to clear the bar, resulting in more clearance.
The western roll was next. Easier than the Lewden scissors, the jumper tucked one leg, and both went over at the same time. This style was successful for a wider range of jumpers.
In the 1930s, a new technique revolutionized the high jump. Straddle the bar face down, and we get yet another inch or two of clearance. In 1956 Charles Dumas used the straddle to set the world record. Then 1960 brought the dive straddle, giving yet more clearance and additional world records.
Now, though, scroll down modern Olympic high jump images, and we won’t see any of these jumping techniques in recent competitions. We’ll find the Fosbury flop. It was a game-changer, and in 1968 Dick Fosbury used it to win in the Mexico City Olympics.
What is the Fosbury flop? The athlete rolls over the bar, back down, essentially “flopping” his or her way to victory. The Fosbury flop only works when the athlete quits powering through with arm and leg action, and lets centrifugal force carry the body over the bar. One interesting aspect of this technique is that the athlete must be totally exposed, and in his or her most vulnerable position, in order to be successful.
One more thing is needed: a fast run-up.
Picture the modern-day high jumper: We must run at top speed; be totally exposed as we attack the bar; and quit trying to be successful using our arms and legs.
Living for Christ is the same. We must quit “trying” to be good Christians. There’s a better way.
Ephesians 6:12 tells us:
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
If we’re still doing the Lewden scissors move, we cannot compete. We must change to God’s technique.
Acts 20:35 is how we build up our speed:
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Our speed in Christ is less about our legs than it is about our commitment to our fellow believer.
Hebrews 13:5 is our method of attack:
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ ”
This is going belly up, totally exposed, and trusting God to help us clear the bar. It’s trust in him that he’s looking for.
Ezekiel 37:1 tells us God is in control:
“The hand of the Lord was upon me, and he brought me out…”
God’s hand is the hand that gives us success. We will top the bar only when we quit trying to do it with our own arms and legs.
When we strive to reach God’s bar, our best technique may look silly to the world. We will run at top speed, be exposed to the world’s attacks, and seem to be ineffective. The world will see us doing nothing except flopping through our problems. We will appear out of control. However, with God carrying us through, we will set new records for the Lord.
When we jump God’s way, he lifts us to a higher level than anyone thought possible.
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