Photo: Chris Frape
During Vancouver’s opening ceremonies, organizer John Furlong encouraged Olympians to compete in honor of the Georgian athlete who died in a luge training run prior to the beginning of the winter games.
Urging the Olympians to rise to the spirit of the event, Furlong said, “You are our beacon of hope in a world so much in need of peace, healing, unity, generosity and inspiration. Youth the world over aspire to be just like you. You compete with such bravery, conviction and pride. At these Games you now have the added burden to shine and be united around your fallen colleague Nodar. May you carry his Olympic dream on your shoulders and compete with his spirit in your hearts.”
Have been thinking that Furlong’s tribute might express the kind of words that would be even more appropriate for that international Body that will compete today—in remembrance of the Death of all deaths– and for something far more important than national, team, or personal goals.
In the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he used the imagery and “pine wreath crown” of the biennial Isthmian games held near Corinth to illustrate the greater honor of living in the spirit and Name of Christ (1Cor 9:24-27).
Paul wrote about the effort and focus that he saw in doing whatever it takes to let the love, faith, and purposes of Christ be seen in us—for honors that will last forever.
If we find any inspiration this week in the national, team, and individual drama of Winter Olympic competition, may those emotions translate into something far greater. May we carry the Name of Christ ‘on our shoulders’… and in our hearts…to face every competing influence and thought… in remembrance of his death… to show the grace of his real resurrected presence and Spirit in us…
(+53 rating, 53 votes)
Loading...