The Race that is Set

 The link for this week's live-streamed service is here.

I'm not big on sports, but like most of the world, for the past two weeks, I've been caught up in the Olympics. I've watched sports I didn't know existed, like kayak cross, i.e. mayhem on the water where the rules allow you to push, shove and impede your opponent. Huh? I've become very knowing about "sticking the landing" in gymnastics, and I've learned how ringing the bell in the Stade de France contributes to the rebuilding of Notre Dame Cathedral.

I've stood up and cheered when a Canadian wins a medal. I love how their smiles light up the stadium, my television screen, and my own heart. Joy is contagious. It is also a "fruit of the spirit" so spread it around.

In nearly every recorded interview the athlete remarks on the importance of family and friends in the stands. Those who competed in the last games where no spectators were allowed due to COVID 19, are especially grateful for "the roar of the crowd." 

There have been unexpected wins--men's 4x100m relay anyone? And there have been startling disappointments. A pulled muscle, illness, a rain-soaked field -- even with all their preparation, no one can assure a perfect performance on "the day." Athletes must compete in the event that is set, regardless.

The Book of Hebrews reminds us that God calls us to "run with endurance the race that is set before us."  (ESV) These words were written to a young Christian community faced with such determined persecution, they considered abandoning their faith. 

They weren't just suffering from a bad break on the day of competition. Their very lives were in danger because of their allegiance to Jesus Christ. Yet the letter writer exhorts them to keep in the race. He even reminds them they have their own cheering section in the stands, " we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses." Hebrews 12:1 

An Olympic gold medal requires courage and sacrifice and dedication and years of training, yet athletes consider it all worth while when they stand on the podium as the best in the world.

But the prize the Christian races for is not a bit of metal, however precious, it is a "crown of righteousness," and the invitation for the faithful servant to "enter into the joy of your master"  Matthew 25:21 (ESV.) 

While the Book of Hebrews encourages us to persevere, 2 Timothy speaks of the reward to the faithful.

2 Timothy 4:6-8  (ESV) For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing.

The Olympic Games are wonderful and exciting and mesmerizing. How much greater is the race that God sets before the faithful. Let us cheer on our athletes, but let us never lose sight of the prize for which we are made.

Olympic Faith

   

 The world is half way through the Winter Olympic Games, our quadrennial affair with sports madness . Who knew there were so many ways to slide down a snowy hill? Slope-style skiing? Death wish, more like. And who ever dreamed up luge doubles? That piece of tinfoil isn't big enough for one person let alone two!  But here we are, glued to our televisions, or smart phones or computers, holding our breath at critical moments then cheering wildly when our team scores.  
      We  become instant experts on the run-back double, or a quad toe, or a 1080.  (I had to do the math to figure that one out.  In figure skating it's called a triple.)  
     Go into any coffee shop or grocery store and you'll hear conversations about what's happening in Sochi.  Who's where in the medal standings?  Who'll make the gold medal game in hockey?  We're obsessed with 100ths of a second nine time zones away.
    And good for us!  The Olympics give us a great lesson in empathy. We give our hearts to the athletes that represent our country.    We ache when they fall, we're ecstatic when they win.  We're all on the same team, or as a very clever advertiser puts it, "we all play for Canada."
     Since sport is such a powerful motivator, it's hardly surprising

the apostle Paul used it so frequently as a metaphor for Christian living.  In 1 Corinthians 9:24  we are urged to run the race so we may obtain the prize.  Hebrews 12:1 exhorts us to run the race that is set before us. 1 Corinthians 9:25 speaks of training for the games.  2 Timothy 2:5 we compete as an athlete to win the crown. Philippians 3:12-14 the faithful "press on toward the goal."

    We've already seen fine examples of the Olympic spirit, when one speed skater gave up his place to a team mate, or when an opposing coach supplied a fresh ski to a struggling competitor.  Such generosity of spirit embodies the Christian ideal as well.
    If the motto of the Olympics is "faster -- higher -- stronger," perhaps the Christian motto could be "braver -- purer-- kinder." Like the athlete trains his mind and body for his sport, the Christian trains his heart and mind and spirit for service to God and others.

    Go, Canada, Go!   Go, Christian, Go!
     

Olympic Moments

   by Alice Valdal

The 2012 Olympics in London are only a few days away from the closing ceremonies and the world is still buzzing about the Opening night, especially Queen Elizabeth II's turn as a Bond girl.  Who says royalty is stuffy?  But what struck me in this aggressively secular age, was the use of three Christian hymns in the opening ceremonies.  "And Did Those Feet," sung to Parry's tune Jerusalem might have slipped by unremarked since it is almost an unofficial anthem for England, as is "Guide me O Thou Great Redeemer (Jehovah)" sung to Cwm Rhonda in Wales, but "Abide With Me" is a straight out prayer to God for comfort and constancy in life and death.  

     The words were written by Henry Francis Lyte.  Lyte was orphaned at an early age and decided on a career in medicine, however, in 1815 he changed courses and was ordained as a minister in the Church of England.   In 1847 as he lay near to his own death from tuberculosis, inspired by Psalm 102:26-27;  and Luke 24:29, he penned the words to his beloved hymn. 
   The tune was composed in the space of ten minutes by William H. Monk, the music editor for the 1861 edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern.  The story goes that the composer realized the hymn under consideration had no tune so he sat down at the piano and composed "Eventide" to accompany Lyte's text.  The words and the music were then published in that edition.

     When I was a teen I thought Abide With Me the stodgiest piece in the hymn book and groaned aloud when required to sing it.  With age comes wisdom?  It has now entered my conscience as a favourite due to its assurance of God's steadfastness.  When "change and decay in all around I see," the Father remains unchanging and faithful.  "Through cloud and sunshine," God is our guide and strength.   "When other helpers fail," our God is a constant comfort.  When temptation strikes, God is there to "foil the tempter's power." and when we pass from this world to the next, "When morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee," our Lord is there to welcome us home.   
     Whatever made me think this powerful hymn was boring!  Perhaps it was the manner of singing.  I found one note which advised the tune should not be sung too slowly and that organists should keep keep a firm and steady tempo.  

      Back to the Olympics, Abide With Me does have a sporting connection of sorts.  Since the 1927 FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Cardiff City, the first and last verses of the hymn are traditionally sung before the kick-off of the match.  Since 1929 it has been sung prior to the kick-off at every Rugby League Challenge Cup final.

     Whether the athletes and fans at the 2012 Olympic opening ceremonies heard these powerful words as a hymn or as a sporting anthem, I don't know.  I found it refreshing to hear reference to a God who is greater even than the Olympic ideals.