Good morning!
“One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.”
- Psalm 145:4-5
The summer olympics began this weekend. There have been terribly discouraging stories about the Zika virus, polluted water, and unfinished dorms for the athletes. But there are also some really heartwarming stories as well. Those are my favorite part of the olympics. Of course I want the USA to win all the medals, and I do misty hearing our national anthem at a gold medal presentation. But the thing that keeps me coming back these contests are the stories of the athletes.
Did you hear about Yusra Mardini, a Syrian refugee who once swam to save her life while fleeing across the Mediterranean Sea? When the boat she was traveling in had problems with the motor, she and a couple of others jumped in the water and basically pulled the boat to safety. How perfect that an olympic hopeful in the sport of swimming would have the opportunity to use her athletic talent to save others!
She won the opening heat of the women’s 100m butterfly but did not medal.
But that’s not sad. She won something so much greater than a medal of metal. She won the respect and compassion of millions who heard her story and watched Team Refugee march into olympic stadium during the opening ceremonies. Whatever your politics are, you can certainly appreciate what a momentous occasion this was for these displaced athletes.
Or what about Cody Miller, the US swimmer who was born with a lung deformity that diminished his lung capacity? He won a bronze medal in the men’s 100m breaststroke and celebrated like he just won the gold! In our “win at all costs” culture, it was definitely refreshing to see an athlete appreciate such an amazing finish to his hard work. Oh, and Cody was the first (and most enthusiastic) to congratulate the first place finisher, Adam Peaty. Great sportsmanship!
There are many other great stories like this that would never get told if not for the olympic games. We need to hear stories like this. We need to make sure that the most important truths of life get passed on to others. This is what Christianity should do. It is a faith that speaks. It spreads news to others that they may be encouraged.
One generation of believers making sure another generation of believers hears of the great works of God and meditates on his beauty and majesty.
We have a great story to tell. And we don’t need to wait for a big event to tell it. Let’s be about telling the story of Jesus every change we get!
Blessings!
Pastor Chris
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