I've been watching the Olympic opening ceremony in real time this year. It was 1pm here when it all began in China at 8pm. The parade of athletes is still going on. Lao. Congo. Iraq. Dominican Republic. Togo. Iceland. Croatia. It is amazing to watch people from all over the world come together on the same floor for the same purpose. I'm especially touched by the look on the faces of the athletes from the countries that are small, poor, in deep conflict, or simply 'unimportant'. Some countries are present with just 4 or 5 athletes - even 1 from a country or two . Every athlete from every country is glowing with the same spirit - pride for their country and in their accomplishments and anticipation for the moment that they will take the world's stage in competition.
This year, as I watch and marvel at the beauty of the parade of athletes, I imagine how much more marvelous heaven will be. I don't know what our heavenly bodies will be like, but I like to think that our creative God will fashion our new selves with an array of skin color, hair types, heights, etc. just like He's done in this world. I imagine how incredible it will be to see people from every county - every people group - joined at the throne of grace. We will be gathered in perfect union. We will be on the other side of pain, fear, tears, and death. We will be there for no accomplishment or success of our own, but because of the sweet grace and love of our Lord. Our faces will radiate with the purest joy we've ever tasted. And we will stand side by side with our eyes on the One who carefully knitted and has always known each one of us. I can hardly wait.
2 comments:
What a fabulous connection! I think that from now on, I'll have a much better mental picture of the "opening ceremony" of heaven! And, won't it be fun that rather than coming together to light a torch, it'll be to hear "Well done" for the torch we've already carried. I bet the fireworks will be WAY better than any we could design! The idea of celebrating history, our unity and diversity, and a all that has greatest importance is similar to opening ceremonies, but it will be so much greater! Thanks, Holly! Cass
I have been contemplating this alot lately too, in light of the Olympics. It's such an amazing and moving concept. I think of how amazing it will be for there to no longer be any barriers between any people, because of our common humanity. Beautiful. Hope you all are doing well!! nice to know we are sharing in the Olympics even halfway across the world. :)
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