From brightly colored tunics and headdresses to sports jackets and fedoras, people from large countries like South Africa to smaller ones like Trinidad and Tobago, come marching out proudly bearing their countries flag. Excitement is thick in the air- people are dancing, singing, laughing for there is much to look forward to. Over the next few weeks competitions will be non stop, athletes have trained for years to be ready, their muscles are strong, reflexes are quick, nothing can break them from focusing on the prize. Eyes closed and breathing slow they feel the weight of a gold coin hanging around their neck, people are shouting their name, their heart is pounding- the snap of the starting blocks jolt them into motion--flashing through their mind are clips of their coaches pushing them to higher performance, some are here running completely alone- determination and purpose their only prod. Injuries, obstacles, dreams, sweat their very souls are fighting for the goal they have long set after. Achieving distinction among others as a true athlete, receiving honor for a fight well fought. A gold coin, draping from their hot and strained body- adrenaline pumping through every vein- arms held high--they have won.
As I watched the opening ceremonies for the summer Olympics, it was amazing to see the crowds of people from all over the world. Some countries I have never even heard of, boasting only a couple of athletes yet there with just as much reason as any other. Each culture so different yet all together with one common thread- they are all athletes. Fast forward to Sunday morning, standing in church with many brothers and sisters singing "All who gather in His holy name- Bless the Lord." I suddenly realize how amazing the "opening ceremonies" into Heaven are going to be! Just like the Olympics, people from every country marching into the presence of our great God! Each person very different from the one standing next to them, yet all connected through the saving grace of their common Savior, Jesus Christ. On earth they fought hard battles, they wearied over daily tasks, but they pursued long and pushed forward for a prize greater than a gold coin. For now instead of just believing, they are seeing, beholding the glorious God that reached down to them in love saving them from eternal separation from Him. Hearts are no longer weighted down by the sins of their earthly life, they are forever pure, forever holy, forever rejoicing that their prize has been won. The sacrifices and heartaches were not in vain, the people they loved, reached out to-each one a gem in their crown. To live eternally in the happiness of knowing fully our Great God! Press on my fellow laborers, strive for excellence, seek to love others as Christ would love them. We are guaranteed a hope unlike any other, I want to see you there- I want to march with you-we will have won- it's going to be a glorious day!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
(1 Peter 1:3-9 ESV)
