February 14, 2010

  • The Power of the Olympic Winter Games 2010

    A once-in-a-lifetime-experience… the Olympics Winter Games in Vancouver 2010. We all want to be part of it. It is exciting. It is fun. It is something we will never forget.

     

    I want to be part of it… I want to enjoy it… I want to be excited like most other people here… but I have mixed feelings… Do I have my priorities right...?

     

    It started long time ago, when the slogan “Do you believe…?” was broadcasted on CTV… it made me think about the Apostles Creed…”I believe in God the Father…” and it made me say in my mind “…whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3: 16). Do you believe - yes I do believe, but not what most people are thinking....

     

    We saw the torch the past few months travel through Canada. We could follow it day by day, no minute by minute, through the Internet. The torch was lit in Greece, from the temple of Zeus with a religious ceremony full of symbolism. Was it just a game… and if so, can we play games with other gods… what about “you shall have have no other gods before Me”?

     

    A person in Vancouver said a few days ago: “It’s such a blessing that the Olympic Spirit has transformed Canada”. The torch lit up the spirit of the Canadians. Fast forwarding, you can see the flame inspiring everyone in Canada, from East to West… but I had to think about Pentecost how the flame of God’s Spirit inspired his people to proclaim his Word.

     

     

    The flame brought light into the usually dark winter months. Light in the dark economic situation. It enlightened our hearts and minds. The flame is inspiring. Some even take their children out of school to see this light. I could not avoid thinking that it is not the torch, and not the Winter Olympics, but Jesus, who says: “I am the Light of the world”.

     

    Many adored the torch, keeping alive the legacy of the 1936 Olympic Games dominated by “Jews not wanted” signs, followed by the genocide of six million Jews.

     

    Our community tries to convince us that the Olympic Winter Games come to us bringing unity and peace. Unity and peace will come to us tomorrow, not at the games and not on the TV, but when we are together in His house, when we hear again that “…the LORD turns His face toward you and give you peace."

     

    Sunday, the day of the Lord our God, is not observed during the Olympics. God does not fit-in with the Olympic Games – or do the Olympic Games not fit-in with God? The 2010 Olympic Games are “Inviting Canadians to believe”. God and the church are also inviting Canadians to believe… There is even a "hymn" that is called “I believe”, sung by a young lady with a wonderful voice. 

     

    When I heard this song yesterday again during the great opening ceremonies (yes, there I go again – I love the effects, the music, these wonderful athletes, the sports…) it resonated in my mind how this fits in with “he who is not with me, is against me”. There is nothing promoting Jesus Christ in the Olympic Games, instead other religions were promoted: old Greek religion at the start of the flame and First Nations religion at the opening ceremony, and on Sunday it is business as usual - no time for God... God? Which god...?

     

    The song “I believe” is for me symbolic for these Olympic Games. I feel torn – I want to be part of the Olympic Game festivities, I want to join in celebration and fun, but I feel not good about it. Maybe the song will explain...

     

    There comes a moment when my heart must stand alone
    On this lonely path I've chosen
    like a house that ‘s not a home
    sometimes when I feel I've had enough
    and I feel like giving up
    you willed me to be all I can be
    now nothing can stop me

    I believe in the power that comes
    From a world brought together as one
    I believe together we'll find
    I believe in the power of you and I

    This is the moment we have dreamed of all our lives
    We'll be the change we wish from others
    We'll stand tall for what its right
    And in my hearts there'll be no doubt
    The arms of the world will come reaching out
    And embrace me to be all I can be
    Now nothing can stop me

    I believe in the power that comes
    From a world brought together as one
    I believe together we'll fly
    I believe in the power of you and I

    I believe the time is right now
    Stand tall and make the world proud
    I believe together we'll fly
    I believe in the power..
    I believe in the power that comes
    From a world brought together as one
    (Of you and I)
    I believe together we'll fly
    I believe in the power of you and I
    (power)
    I believe the time is right now
    (Oh you and I)
    Stand tall and make the world proud
    I believe together we'll fly (Together we'll fly)
    I believe in the power of you and I
    (I believe in the power of you and I)

     

     

    I wish you all a blessed Sunday, in His service!