 |
Pray that God will fill the Slavic believers with a hunger for His Word: "Desire the sincere milk of the Word" (1 Peter 2:2), and a spirit of prayer: "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Ask God to call many young men and women to serve Him sacrificially and sincerely in places of leadership. Pray that some will choose to serve in other Slavic countries as missionaries. Intercede for the Christian leadership in Eastern Europe that they will withstand the powers of darkness and remain stable in their spiritual roles. |
The modern Olympic Games have become the greatest spectacle in the world. Nearly half of the world’s population, over three billion people, watched the XXII Winter Olympic Games held in Sochi (Russia) last month.
The home of the Olympic Games is Greece. Even today, the flame that burns during the games is brought from Olympia where the games were first held in 776 BC in honor of the Olympian gods. Originally the games served as a respite between the never-ending wars among the Greek city-states. During these “peaceful intermissions” young men would engage in various forms of athletic competition. The winners would be crowned with a sacred olive tree wreath. Only men were allowed to participate in the games.
Today the Olympic Games are very different. Both men and women compete. Amateurs have been mostly replaced by professional athletes who compete for the honor and prestige of their countries. Their national anthems are played as they are awarded their gold medals. They are generously rewarded for their achievements. Sadly, even during the XXII Olympic Games in Sochi there was no break in the hostilities that are taking place in our world today.
Be what they may, the Olympic Games offer many valuable spiritual lessons for believers. Apparently the Apostle Paul attended the games while in Greece because he uses them to illustrate important spiritual truths in his letters. As an example, in Hebrews 12:1 he likens the life of a believer to a race that must be run. He mentions four things that are necessary to complete our race and qualify for the prize: Note the passage: Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that as set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat own at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1 and 2 (NKJV)
.
First, we must travel light. We must “throw off everything that hinders us” in our race. This phrase refers to things, which we tend to accumulate over time. Things tend to distract us and drain the energy we need to run our race.
Second, we must avoid becoming entangled by sin. Sin is anything that separates us from God. These can be small, seemingly insignificant distractions, or habits, that, inevitably, slow us down and cause us to lose sight of the goal.
Third, we must persevere if we want to reach the finish line and receive the prize. This is our greatest challenge. Satan has a large arsenal of weapons, which he uses to weaken our resolve to follow Christ.
Fourth, we must fix our eyes on Jesus. Jesus is the supreme example of endurance. He endured the cross, disregarding its shamefulness. Keeping Jesus in view at all times, we will not grow weary, or lose heart, as we face the obstacles Satan puts in our way in order to discourage and slow us down.
The participants in Olympic Games remind us that no achievement, however superhuman it may be, can fully satisfy the human spirit. No matter how many gold medals athletes may win, they never experience a full and lasting satisfaction. When asked how long the “high” lasts, one athlete truthfully admitted: “About an hour!” Then it’s back to square one and the pursuit of the next gold medal.
The reason for this is quite obvious. Our spirit will never be satisfied with what this world has to offer. The human heart craves peace and total harmony with God! Nothing less will do!
Jesus revealed the secret of enduring fulfillment. In Matthew 5:1-12 He lists seven things that bring permanent joy. The word “blessed” in this passage speaks of the highest form of joy attainable by man. The “joy that never departs” hinges on our relationship with God and not on our superior physical strength, prowess, or human achievement.
Finally, the Apostle. Paul reminds us that each one of us has our own individual race to run. This means that we should never look at others as we run our race.
The prize we seek is not a sacred olive tree wreath that quickly withers. Nor is it even a gold medal that gathers dust and, eventually, fades. The prize we seek is eternal life and the approval of the Master whom we serve: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put your in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.” (Matt. 25:23)
May God help us to fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith.
Dr. George Boltniew
Source: as written in the March 2014 Newsletter of the Evangelical Baptist Church, Union, New Jersey
| VIEW OLDER POSTS |
 |
Pray that the Gospel will reach the millions in the Slavic countries that have not yet heard what Christ has done for them. Many small cities and towns still do not have an official place of worship. Ask God to help the Slavic churches be effective witnesses in their neighborhoods. Pray that souls will continue to be saved, baptized and discipled through the ministries of the church. Pray that the Holy Spirit powerfully and persistently will convict men of sin and lead many to believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. |