Olympics #29
I was fortunate enough to live in southern California in 1984 during the Olympic games. It was difficult to get tickets for some of the big events like gymnastics but it was not hard to participate. Different family members and I took in soccer, field hockey, diving and some track and field events.
The Olympics are one of my favorite things; feats of athleticism, competition and talent are amazing. And the games feel like a connection to something bigger and better about our shared humanity. The sense of national pride and the cool stories told and played out in front of the world are so up lifting. For 2 weeks it seems that people put aside their disagreements, animosity and warfare ceases to hold the attention of the world. It is replaced with a respectful marveling at everyone winning and the transcendence of the human spirit with whispers of hope and beauty.
…and hooray for the bema seat where we will, one day, receive our rewards (2 Cor 5:10, Roman 14:10) from our dear Savior!
At this year’s Olympics, we all were amazed at the feats achieved by the bronze, silver, and gold medal winners. The medal ceremony models a practice begun by the ancient Greeks, who instituted the Olympics in the 8th century B.C. A judge sat at what they called the “Bema Seat” at each race’s finish line. It was that judge who determined the winner and gave him an award immediately after the completion of the race. And someday, we will see Jesus, the One who is “standing at the finish line,” judging what every believer has done for His glory. What a fabulous Olympics event THAT will be!