Summary

Olympics Paris 2024 Word on the Week 27th July 2024.
The French pulled out all the stops last night and gave us an opening ceremony like no other! Everything was on display. Its history in its buildings; its art in its galleries; its music sung from the rooftops; its river with its boats that brought the athletes from 205 countries with 10,500 athletes sailing, in convoy, up the Seine.
The spectacle was watched by millions. They were catered for with seating along the river banks and from the adjacent windows and balconies. It culminated in the Trocadero Gardens near the Eiffel Tower. The latter was lit with laser beams which seem to have replaced the old fashioned fireworks!
After the mandatory speeches the TV cameras followed the Olympic torch or rather torches which went on a never-ending rampage down the river, through buildings and bridges, over roofs till it finally set alight to a huge circular receptacle which was lifted by a large balloon – a blazing beacon floating off into the night sky.
It was an enormous achievement carried out despite terrorists shutting down three of the four rail tracks into Paris by setting fire to the signal boxes en route. It should also be mentioned that the four-hour spectacle was carried off in incessant rain! An unforgettable opening to the games!
The Apostle Paul trained like an athlete. He beat his body to make it ‘his slave’. In other words, bring it under self-control. The training was not dissimilar to the athlete who aspired to the laurel crown. The emblem of ultimate success (1 Corinthians 9 verses 24 to 27). Paul points out the Christian crown does not fade with time but is for all eternity!
The games are non-religious. However, they provide an excellent opportunity for Christian witness. Many believer athletes make pious gestures. Various evangelical organisations have staff workers who travel with their country team as chaplains and counsellors.
In addition, they make known Jesus Christ, crucified, buried and risen from the dead; who is now seated at God’s right hand in the glory. They explain that there is no excluded group and all are invited to look to Jesus and be saved from their sins (Titus 2 verses 11 to 14).
Many receive Jesus as their saviour and return with their new found faith to countries where there is little knowledge of God. They become like the leaven Jesus spoke of in Matthew 13 verse 33, the hidden permeation of the Kingdom of God in the world.
May many receive their Christian crowns during these games.