From February 12th through the 28th, the 21st Winter Olympics are being held in Vancouver, British Columbia. Over 80 countries have sent over 2,000 men and women to compete for their chance at gold, silver, or bronze. While never free from controversy, the Olympics offer a chance for countries around the world to come together in a spirit of friendship and friendly competition, showcasing some of the most talented and inspiring athletes the world has ever seen.
Every competitor at the Games has a unique story. Many have practiced their sport since childhood. Some have come out of retirement to make one more attempt to earn a medal. All have made sacrifices to compete at such a high level, enduring injuries and lost time with family and friends. And all have demonstrated their desire to keep practicing, keep pushing, keep overcoming obstacles, so that they can honestly say at the end of the competition that, whatever the result, they gave it their best effort.
This week's lectionary texts encourage all of us, Olympic athletes and regular folks alike, to persevere. We are called to seek God, to ask God to show us the way we ought to follow, and to remember that God will give us the courage to make our way forward.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul encourages the community not to forget what they are striving for. He writes, "Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us" (Philippians 3:17). Paul walks the talk -- his letter has come to the Philippians from prison, where presumably he has been jailed for his unwelcome efforts to spread the gospel.
The Olympics, while characterized by competition among nations, also have the power to make us realize that we are all part of one global community. Paul takes things a step further, however. He warns against keeping one's mind on "earthly things," but rather urges the Philippians to remember that "our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:19-20).
Paul, explaining that Christ will transform his people, finally notes, "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved" (Philippians 4:1). Paul's deep affection for the Philippians is unmistakable in this epistle. He knows that following Christ can bring serious hardships, but also incredible joy, and he wants the community to be strengthened and encouraged in its walk with God.
In this week's reading from Luke, meanwhile, we read the story of Jesus' lament over Jerusalem. Just as Jesus finishes preaching that the last shall be first and the first shall be last, he is approached by Pharisees who warn him that Herod is out to kill him. Jesus instructs the Pharisees to tell Herod, "Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem" (Luke 13:32-33).
Jesus knows that he has work to do before his ministry is over; he also knows that everything will come to an end -- and a new beginning -- in Jerusalem. He is saddened over the state of the city: "How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!" (Luke 13:34). But he still presses on, knowing that he has a job to do and that God will help him do it.
Indeed, perhaps one of the most powerful biblical reflections on persevering with God's help can be found in Psalm 27. As the psalmist writes,
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?...Though an enemy encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident." (Psalm 27:1, 3)
In this psalm, the psalmist expresses his confidence that God will come through for him, offering protection and strength. He knows that he will face adversaries and struggles, but implores God, "Be gracious to me and answer me!" (Psalm 27:7). In the concluding verses, he exhorts his listeners to similarly rely on the power of God: "I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" (Psalm 27:13-14).
Even if we are not Olympic athletes, we all face challenges and difficulties in our lives. We all have goals we would like to achieve, but sometimes are held back by fear, or indecision, or uncertainty that our goals are even the right goals at all. But this week, we hear of the rewards to be gained by striving for God -- pushing ourselves to go farther than we ever thought we could go, pressing on through pain, and counting on God to help lift us up when we fall and cheer us on toward the finish line. Truly, as the psalmist writes, we have nothing to fear.
Photo credit here.
No comments:
Post a Comment