By Doug Redford
The Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place from February 6 to 22 of this year. Opening ceremonies will be held in Milan, Italy, with 16 events scheduled to take place in Milan and other sites in Italy.
It is often noted that athletes who prepare to compete in an Olympics (whether winter or summer) make enormous sacrifices to do so, disciplining themselves rigorously so they can represent their families, their communities or cities, and their country. In some cases, athletes are forced to withdraw because of injury; others simply do not perform as well as expected in the preliminary competitions and must wait until a future Olympics to try again. The disappointment for such individuals must be heartbreaking; they have invested a significant portion of their lives in pursuing a dream, only to have to put it on hold.
Consider that we spend an entire lifetime preparing to meet God. These are Paul’s words from 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (New International Version). Paul understood the rigorous discipline required in preparing for this meeting, as indicated by his athletically driven language in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
We can choose to withdraw from this preparation and live life the way we choose; God has given each human being that freedom of choice. But no one can withdraw from meeting God; we are “destined” for this appointment (Hebrews 9:27). God prefers to meet us in this lifetime on his terms of love, grace, and forgiveness, as shown by Jesus’ death and resurrection. If we do not make that choice, we will meet him in judgment after this lifetime. The disappointment there will indeed be heartbreaking.
Communion provides us with a time to give thanks that Jesus came and that we have chosen to make his purpose for coming to this world our purpose for living in this world and preparing for the next. We understand that this life is but a “training ground” for eternity. Communion may be considered a kind of “training table,” preparing us for the coming wedding supper of the Lamb. Just as Jesus “resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51) where the cross awaited, let us resolutely set out for the New Jerusalem where our “crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:25) awaits.
Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities arise.
Author: Doug Redford
Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities arise.
