The Brachistochrone Curve

I know you are already saying "huh?" That is, unless you have prior knowledge or if you haven't already googled the title to find out what it is. However, during my research, I thought it would be interesting to make connections to Biblical teachings. And this is what I hope to make clearer to every reader; as I learn I will share what has been shared with me. So have fun reading and hopefully learning something new as I draw from the the past, present, and future and relate this information with influence from the teachings of Jesus or whom Mary affectionately called "Rabboni." (John 20:16)

The Brachistochrone curve is a formula solved by a team of gifted mathematicians, including Sir Isaac Newton, around the 1694 timeframe. It is attributed to the reason that skiers like the great Lindsey Vonn are able to ski downslope at a faster pace. We've been taught that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. But for skiers, who are able to find themselves sticking to the Brachistochrone Curve or (in their lingo) "find the line", there is an additional advantage. The formula presents mathematical proof that gravitational pull and kinetic energy work together to reduce the friction that tends to slow a skier down. The reason I thought this was all interestingly cool is that this formula was solved centuries ago yet it still can have an influence in how skiers are able adjust their training to win Olympic gold today.

Bibically, I also thought about something interestingly cool, in the book of Matthew chapter 24:45-51 and also retold by Luke 12:42-48. The verses explain the mindset of man in the expectation of Christ's coming. It tells of a parable which describes what could be a man who is faithful and wise. In this state, he could be intrusted by his lord who would make him ruler over his house-hold, to provide them with meat in due season. The Bible/Jesus describes this man as blessed because when he returns this man would be found faithful to the responsibility he was given. As such, the man would be rewarded. But then there is also the description of another man. This man, would take advantage the time where there wasn't anyone watching. He would note that the person in charge wasn't around and wasn't coming back anytime soon. He felt he had time to waste and would take the opportunity to party. The Bible said that he would eat and drink with the drunken. Then he mistreated his fellowservants. He eventually stopped paying attention that his master would come back. He stopped looking. As such, this man would be punished. This illustration spoke to me because it made me understand the importance of discipline. Had the second man disciplined himself, he would never have been in a position to be punished. Olympic gold is the result of disciplining your body overtime to respond to the demands of extreme competition. Today we can review centuries old mathematical formula's to help us explain how a winner wins. But the real gold comes from finding a line and staying as close to it as possible; I'm told once you've crossed a line it's hard to come back. It takes a lot of practice, a lot of discipline, and you may even have to turn down a party or two. But in the end, you would have fed some people along the way.