Rio 2016 Olympics

The 2016 Olympics have begun. The whole world has gathered to compete for gold, and to prove they are best athletes in the globe. The Olympics has Biblical importance because during the Early Church, these games were being conducted in Greece and Rome, even in the time of St. Paul. In fact, when Paul says, “I have fought the good fight, run the good race, and kept the faith,” (2 Timothy 4:7), he is making a spiritual connection to the Olympic athlete, that we as Christians must fight the devil (1 Peter 4:8-9), run the race well and share gospel at the same time (Mark 16:15), and finish the race and keep the faith (Matthew 24:13).

What is quite fascinating about these Olympic Games is that they take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazil is devoutly Christian, and in fact, there is a giant statute of Jesus Redeemer (see pic) standing as gigantic as the Statue of Liberty at Ellis island, New York City. The fact all nations have come to Olympics to compete beneath such a symbol of Jesus Christ Redeemer reminds me of Christ’s own words, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19). While Olympics are for the valiant athletes and talented to prove their skill against contemporaries from across the world, these games are a perfect moment to remember to share the Gospel with all people and pray for all nations, especially in this Age of Terrorism.

While enjoying the sportsmanship and rooting for your country, remember to say a prayer for those athletes and for all who watch. It is no mistake that Jesus Redeemer Statue stands over these games. On one hand evangelism, on the other these Olympians can inspire us to continue to strive hard to be disciplined and receive the awards and medals our Lord has waiting for us, “Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore, I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27). May we be inspired as we watch those struggle with all their ardor and zeal to gain the prize, remembering that we too must endure and battle to reach the day of Salvation, may we as those Olympians that feel their hearts about to give and limbs about to tear, press forward through Christ’s strength, shouting, “I can do all things through Him (Christ) who strengthens me,” (Philippians 4:13) and “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, ESV). May we not forget there is a prize, a trophy, crowns of glory, and treasuries awaiting us who stay true to the Truth (John 14:6), “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” (1 corinthians 9:24). We must preserve as those professional Olympians do to receive their golden crowns around the neck, while we seek a crown of life, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him,” (James 1:12), “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing,” (2 Timothy 4:8), “And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory,” (1 Peter 5:4), “Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown except by competing according to the rules,” (2 Timothy 2:5), “Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable,” (1 Corinthians 9:25), and “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20). We must like Usain Bolt, run swiftly towards the goal, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phillippians 3:14). And when we run this great race of faith in Christ, let us not let anything weight us down, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1).

Jesus Christ boldly uses Olympian and athletic terminology for the struggles we must endure tro make it through the last days, “Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved,” (Matthew 24:12-13), “You will be hated by everyone on account of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved,” (Mark 13:13), and “You will be hated by everyone on account of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22). We have an Olympics every day as Christians. We preform before the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8, Revelation 1:18), A Cloud of witnesses (saints, see Hebrews 12:1), our brothers and sisters in Christ, and the unbelievers who watch us. Our Olympics is cosmic, and carnal; we fight in a battle with demonic spirits, “because to us the wrestling is not against blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12, BB). At the same time we are disciplining our flesh bodies and desires, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.” (Hebrews 12:11-13). In addition to our spiritual fitness and physical discipline, we seek to build character and good behavior and morales, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” (Romans 5:3-4).

If it isn’t already evident, Olympian and athletic terminology is littered throughout the words of Jesus Christ and the Apostles in the Holy Bible. We as Christians are called to be a fit as an Olympian for the Alpha and Omega, in Body (Hebrews 12:1-13), Spirit (Ephesians 6:12) , and Mind (Romans 5:3-4). While you enjoy the Rio 2016 Olympics take heed to the image of Jesus Redeemer standing above the stadiums, serving as reminding that Jesus wants all people believe and not perish, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise (to return), as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9). In addition, when watching the athletes preform gallant and noble feats, running, swimming, playing football (Soccer), and more; remember that you too as a Christian are in the Olympics and your test is not only physical, but spiritual and mental. So run the race well brothers and sisters, for Christ will return to award you on His podium with His National Anthem (Kingdom Anthem, possibly Handel’s Hallejauh) the golden medal and crown (1 Peter 5:4).