I recently came across a story that describes the meaning behind the phrase, “Toe the mark.”  This is a phrase I remember hearing when I was growing up.  There were several of my teachers who wanted their students to “toe the mark” but the phrase itself was never explained.  I knew for my teachers it meant that I had better do what was expected or I would be in trouble.  The origin of the phrase is found in the history of boxing.

            One historian wrote, “During the days of the old-time, bare-knuckle fights under the London Prize Ring Rules fights were little more than a slightly supervised street fight.  A round ended when one of the fighters went down, whereupon the referee immediately called, "Time!"  Attendants would then drag the fallen fighter to a corner and had thirty seconds to the point of continuing the contest.  At the end of thirty seconds, the fighters had eight seconds to advance, unassisted, to a mark or a scratch on the ground and place their toe against it, indicating their intention to go on with the fight - hence, the origin of the terms, "toe the mark," or "come to scratch." if one man failed to "toe the mark," his opponent was declared the winner. To "toe the mark" meant, and still means, to persevere, keep coming back, and present yourself for the encounter with an intent for the victory.

A great deal of life involves recovery after having been "knocked down" - getting up again and "coming to scratch."  Personal failure frequently has a brutal way of sweeping us from our feet.  Albert Einstein was unable to gain admission to college because of his inability to complete the basic algebra problems on the entrance examination.  Abraham Lincoln was defeated soundly in numerous early bids for election to public office.  John Wesley came to America to convert the unbelievers in Georgia, but was such a miserable failure that he was forced to return to England, saying, "Lo, who will convert me?"  However, Einstein, Lincoln, Wesley, and scores of others, recovered - again and again - to toe the mark.

Circumstances sometimes devastate our noblest plans. When we find it difficult to arise and stand at the mark again, this prayer of Peter Marshall is timely: "Our Father, when we long for life without its trials and work, without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure. With stout hearts may we see in every calamity an opportunity, and not give way to the pessimism that sees in every opportunity a calamity."

Some grieve that life has passed them by and it is too late to come to the mark. But, General MacArthur was Supreme Commander of the occupation in Japan in his seventies. Titian painted "The Battle of Lepanto" at age ninety-eight! Cato studied Greek at eighty. Verdi wrote operas at eighty. “

            The apostle Paul called on all Christians to “toe the mark” as he drew upon the strength that comes from God.  In this assurance he wrote, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."            May we persevere and share the wonders of our living Lord.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Richard