Olympics for God

                We are currently in the midst of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Top athletes from 204 countries around the world are competing this year. You may ask what the point of the Olympics is. Is it to see which country is the most athletic and get the most medals? No, that’s not quite it. First, I’ll give some insight on the ancient Olympics. The first Olympic Games, in 776 BC, were originally intended to honor Zeus and other deities in Olympia, as well as resolve the constant civil war among the Greek city-states.  Only free born male citizens were eligible to participate. They began training as early as one year before the games and then a month before the games they were required to move to Elis or Olympia for final training. At most, there were only 14 events in four days, compared to the current 36 games in 17 days, which could only be observed by free men. The first day of the games began with a sacrifice to the gods, for the games were meant as religious tributes. What did the winners get? A crown of olive branches and a statue erected in their honor, to each winners likeness. The Greek games eventually were forbidden in the year 393 by the Christian emperor of Rome, Theodosius, due to its Pagan influences. In 1896, a Frenchman re-established the Olympics. Why were the Olympics chosen to be set in August? Because the nights were long so the games could be played well into the night.   

                In 2012, the point of the Olympics is for countries to get together for international cooperation, not religious purposes. Both male and female athletes are eligible to compete and the games continue to be played every four years at different cities around the globe. The competitors win gold, silver, and bronze medals and media attention.

                We’ve recently heard that one of the top American gymnasts, Gabby Douglas, who is just 16, credited her ability to defy gravity to God. How great is it that she was unafraid to declare God’s name to an international audience! According to NBC, Douglas said:

“I give all the glory to God. It’s kind of a win-win situation. The glory

goes up to Him and the blessings fall down on me.”

                Seeing the Olympians should remind us that, as Christians, we are running our own Olympics for God. We each have our own special spiritual gifts God gave us. Instead of competing against each other for gold, silver, or bronze medals, we are working together to bring others to Christ. We are fighting this fight, running this marathon, for the reward of everlasting life in Heaven.

“Endure hardships with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian

affairs-he wants to please his commanding

officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive

the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.”

-2 Timothy 2:3-5

                I have two brothers who both served in the military. My older brother was in the Marine Corp. and my twin brother is currently in his third year of an eight year contract with the Army National Guard. What happens when they disobey the rules? They have the possibility of being dishonorably discharged. There have been many Olympians disqualified due to rule breaking. What happens when you disobey God’s rules? You are discharged and kicked out from the kingdom of God, just as Satan was, unless you repent before your death or the second coming of Christ. You won’t retrieve the crown of righteousness unless you play life by God’s commandments and orders.

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only

one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get

the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.

They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to

get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I

do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.

No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached

to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

-1 Corinthians 9:24-27

             

               The Olympic athletes only get temporary treasures. Who are the players of the games that Paul is talking about in his letter to the church at Corinth? The players of the Olympic Games. They only get temporary treasures: crowns of olive branches and statues that are destroyed. Today, they receive medals that can rust or be stolen.  They train for months, and even sometimes years, only to earn something that can be destroyed (Matthew 6:19). Paul makes a terrific point that they spend all this time to earn something that does not last. So why don’t we spend our life fighting fleshly desires and earning something worth so much more than a gold medal (Matthew 6:20)? We are in the same type of training spiritually. We are running in the Olympics of God’s Kingdom. We train by reading his word, through prayer, through fellowship and coming together with the body of Christ and his people. We also have to discipline ourselves by not doing things that are unhealthy for our spirit. We too need to train, be around similar spiritual athletes and will be on display in a way that people will admire our love and dedication for God’s Olympics and His Kingdom! Don’t live life without a destination in mind. Strive to be rewarded with a place in Heaven-a prize that lasts for all eternity.

Understanding the Book of Revelation: The River of Life

                Now we will look at the final chapter of Revelation: The River of Life and the Coming of Jesus.

                In the Garden of Eden man became like God knowing good and evil, but he was cut off from the tree of life. He became his own God and his source of life was within himself rather than coming from God resulting in futility and emptiness. As a result of this emptiness people fill their lives with things, pleasures and idols. Here in Rev 22 we now find God and the Lamb as the source of life for man, man is no longer cut off from the life of God as Adam and Eve were. Man could eat from the tree of life and live forever because God lives forever.

                There is so much life in this one river. The water of life is a symbol of the Spirit flowing into the redeemed people to be their life supply. Instead of water being used for judgment it is used as a source of life. The water saturates the city, filling it with the divine power of God. The water purifies us since it is bright as crystal, having no dimness. It’s a source of nourishment and is similar to the river that was in the Garden of Eden mentioned in Genesis 2:10. In verse 2 we see the tree of life mentioned, the same tree that was in the Garden of Eden. In saying that the tree of life was on both sides of the river indicates that it spreads for all of God’s people to enjoy. The redeemed can have access to this tree now, unlike pre-Christ. 

                There will be no more Adamic curse on God’s people. The curse is now revoked so that mankind can take hold of the fruit of the tree of life and live forever. The throne of God and of the Lamb is not remote in heaven but on earth in the New Jerusalem, God's dwelling place is with man, heaven has moved to the earth. Instead of painful toil His servants will serve him as they also served him on the former earth. To have His name on their forehead in verse 4 means that they will be His people, loyal to Him. We will reap the benefits of following the prophecies of Revelation. 

                John uses the phrase 'I John' also at the start of the book, in Revelation 1:9. John once again emphasizes the fact that he heard and saw these things; he did not make them up. The first time that John fell at the angel’s feet to worship him was after the scene of the great multitude singing Hallelujah to God, and blessing on those invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb and the angels confirmation that these are the true words of God (Revelation 19:1-10). Again John sees stunning visions of heaven and again the angel confirms that these words are trustworthy and true, Jesus announces that he is coming soon and John is so overwhelmed by these visions that he attempts to worship the angel who brought the visions to him. On both occasions he is rebuked because the angel is a fellow servant and John is told to worship God. 

                Verse 10 warns John to not keep the prophecies of Revelation a secret. Although some parts of the book may be hard to understand, we are meant to know these words because the time is near. Compare to Daniel 12:4 where he is told to keep the words of the scroll hidden because the time is distant. At the point that the New Heaven, Earth, and Jerusalem are completed, everything is set into eternity. That is why verse 11 says to let everything stay as it is. There is no room for repentance or change now. In verse 12, Jesus once again announces his coming himself. His reward for believers is everlasting life and the rewards that are foretold in Isaiah 40:10 and 62:11-12. This expresses personal responsibility. 

                The only answer to man's sin is to find forgiveness through the blood, which is through the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross. Each person who wants to enter the city must enter through the gate (Jesus) and have eternal life must first wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb. The robes symbolize the conduct of the believers. To wash their robes is to keep their conduct clean through the washing of the blood of the Lamb. When verse 15 says outside, it means outside of the kingdom and the New Jerusalem of God. Both the Spirit and the church are involved in the gospel invitation, the Church speaks and the Spirit makes it effective. This is a final offer of salvation.

                Verses 18-19 warn us not to tamper with these words. The words of the book are of God and we have no place in altering them. Jesus once again announces His coming which indicates that the coming is near and we need to heed the warnings. Verse 21 is a final reminder to us that it is only by grace that we are able to have eternal life with Jesus and God.

Understanding the Book of Revelation: The New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem

                Chapter 21 discusses the New Heaven, the New Earth, and the New Jerusalem. God has perfected and completed His final kingdom and people. There is no blemish or flaw. The sea no longer exists because it was a place for demons (Revelation 20:13) and is no longer needed. It played a major role in the judgment of the world. Therefore, no sea creature will exist nor will any serpent exist in the New Heaven and Earth. The New Heaven and Earth were first promised in Isaiah 65:17-25. 2 Peter 3:10-12 mentions the destruction of the heaven and the earth and the creation of new ones where righteousness dwells. This current earth is not our permanent dwelling place but it is just something we pass through. We must look forward to the reward we will receive once this life ends.

                Revelation is full of symbols. Here, in verse 2, the New Jerusalem signifies the totality of God’s works and the redeemed throughout the ages, who have been restored and transformed. The church is Christ’s bride. Jesus was once God’s tabernacle, a bridge to close the gap between mankind and God so that we may have a relationship with Him. Now, God will be able to reside with them always, as He did with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. There will be no presence of Satan so there won’t be a possibility of another fall. Full satisfaction and rest will be found here because Death, and all other demons, have been cast out by life (1 Corinthians 15:5) and sent to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14). 

                God make all things new. In Revelation 19:11 Jesus is referred to as Faithful and True. Here in verse 5 Gods words are referred to as faithful and true. Isaiah 65:17 lets us know that there will be a new heaven and a new earth and no one will remember the old. Those who go to God will receive His free grace, everlasting life. All believers will be able to participate in the new earth and the new heaven. All those who don’t believe and never repent of their sins will be burned in the lake of fire, to suffer torment and a second death. They won’t be able to experience the same joy that all of the believers will. During the thousand years, the believers will be the bride, which is temporary, meant for the wedding day. They will be the wife once all things new are brought about, which will last eternity. 

                Verse 10 is in contrast to John being brought to the wilderness to see the great harlot. Here, is lifted up to see the wife of Jesus, the Lamb. Today, we are to be a light to the world (Matthew 5:14), but the New Jerusalem will be the light to all the nations. In Revelation 4:3 God’s appearance is compared to that of jasper. Here, the New Jerusalem is compared to jasper so therefore, she bears the appearance of God. The wall in verse 12 is for her protection. She will defend all that is good and of God. The number twelve is the number of God’s completion. The New Jerusalem is eternally complete and perfect. The angels help protect our possessions and all that we consider dear to us while we enjoy the everlasting life. The names of the tribes represent the Old Testament, the law. With the gate facing all four cardinal directions it signifies that the city is open to all believers. With three gates on each side, it indicates that the triune of God guides everyone here. There will be no more need for prophets in Heaven, so the apostles will represent that grace that God has and the grace that the city is built upon. 

                In Revelation 11:1, John was given a measuring rod to count the saints and believers. He was told only to measure the inner temple, not the outer. Here in verse 15 he is told to measure to show the perfection of the city and what God has made. Gold represents the divine nature of God. Therefore, the city is measured according to God’s divine plan and nature. In saying that the city is square, it is saying that it is perfect in every way. The repetition of 12,000 in the measurements emphasizes completeness. One hundred and forty-four is twelve times twelve, which signifies total completion. The Old Testament times the New Testament. Gold, in verse 17, represents the purity and holiness of the Church. It’s clear like glass so that God’s light can shine through the whole city. It lacks imperfection and flaws. 

                The New Jerusalem is a city of foundations (Hebrews 11:10). Each of the apostles is represented by a type of stone. The apostles were all once clay but have been transformed into stones, as Peter’s name suggests. He came to Christ as Simon but Christ called him Peter, meaning a stone (John 1:42). The colors of the twelve foundations are as follows: the first stone is green, the second and third are blue, the fourth is green, the fifth and sixth are red, the seventh is yellow, the eighth is bluish green, the ninth is yellow, the tenth is apple-green, and the eleventh and twelfth are purple. I’d like to note that the 12 birthstones and signs of the zodiac have the exact same precious stones, excepted listed in reverse order. Pearls are objects of great price but they are also made through the suffering of the mollusk. The idea is that the only way into the city is through the suffering of Christ on the cross. He was wounded by us and secreted his life around us to make us precious, just as an oyster does when a grain of sand wounds it. The New Jerusalem is built of three kinds of precious materials, signifying that she is built with the Triune God. 

                Verse 22 lets us know that there is no need for a temple or tabernacle now because God will dwell among His people and walk amongst them (2 Corinthians 6:16). This is the fulfillment of Ephesians 2:22 where it says that we are being built together as a dwelling place of God. The sun and moon will still exist in the new heaven and new earth but they will not be needed in the New Jerusalem. God will shine so much brighter there, with Jesus as the lamp. Nothing unclean will enter the city and only righteousness will surround her. At night, people usually close their gates. Here, however, there are angels who guard the gates so that no evil shall enter. Isaiah 60:11 and Zechariah 14:11 tells us that there will be perfect security.

Answering the Call

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord

of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

-Matthew 9:37-38

                God has a special calling on each and every one of our lives. We are put in certain places at certain times. Once we are saved and surrender our lives to God, nothing can interfere with His word and His plans for us. What he wants us to do is to snatch others out of the fire and help lead them to the salvation found in Jesus. He wants us to make disciples out of all the nations. The harvest is the believers of Christ, the harvest field is the very earth that we walk, and the workers are those who answered the calling to serve the Lord and reach out to others to spread the Word.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

-Matthew 28:19-20

                When He tells us this, He doesn’t necessarily mean to go on missions trips. That’s not his calling for everyone. What He wants you to do is to witness to those in your workplace or at the store, in your community. We can even set examples in our friendships, marriages; pretty much any relationship. Some of us need to be on the home front! It doesn’t mean you have to actually preach about Him, but in your character set an example of righteousness so that those around you can desire what you have: Jesus. If you carry yourself the right way, someone might approach and ask about the joy you have and there’s a perfect opportunity to plant a seed! He intentionally puts certain people into our care, under our wing to help guide them on their walk with God. We need to be good role models and leaders but also remember that not everyone we witness to will be put under our guidance. Some might sow and some might water, but we all have different tasks (1 Corinthians 3:5-9, 1 Corinthians 12:4-6). Some people feel that they shouldn't be near non-believers but if we spend all our time cooped up with fellow believers then how are we going to help minister to those who haven’t received Christ or had God revealed to them? How are we going to do God’s will? How will we be shepherds to those that God has predestined to be part of “our flock”?

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”

-Matthew 9:12

                We do need to keep our guard up too though so that we don’t fall into temptations of those around us. As we minister to others and partake in discipleship, the enemy will try to attack us but we need to be strong and put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20).

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves, therefore

be as shrewd as a snake and as innocent as doves.”

-Matthew 10:16

                Don’t be scared, God will protect you and guide you to where you need to be. He will help lead you out of temptation if you have a desire to do his works (1 Corinthians 10:13). Don’t intentionally place yourself into a dangerous situation that may lead to backsliding, but just allow God’s will to be done. The Lord protects those who serve him (Psalm 23, Psalm 27:1-3, Hebrews 13:5-6) and he directs their paths.

‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

-Acts 9:6

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you

may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

-1 Peter 2:9

                Those who answer to God’s apostolic calling and witness to others will receive a reward. But just a reminder, this is not the only requirement to receive the reward. You must also have faith, obey the law, confess your sins and accept Christ as your Savior. You must be a light unto the world by performing good deeds and having a proper character (Matthew 5:16). That reward is an eternal life in Heaven.

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness

of the heavens, and those who lead others

to righteousness will shine like the stars for ever and ever.”

-Daniel 12:3

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving

as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as

God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager

to serve; not lording it over those

entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the

crown of glory that will never fade away.”

-1 Peter 5:2-4