When I was getting to know Colleen, who eventually became my wife, one of our dates was seeing a performance of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra. My wife tells me it was a concerto, whatever that is. I was not familiar with the musical piece they were playing nor fully understanding the nuances of the concerto like my wife was.
God’s Goodness And Glory Is Everywhere
Despite my limitations, I really appreciated the performance of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra. I knew I was hearing something good. These were very good musicians who had worked hard for a long time at developing their God-given talent. To eyes of faith, the glory of our Creator God was on display through the Orchestra members. My soul was truly blessed that night, even though I was a classical music novice, to say the least.
In the last week and a half, my family and I have really enjoyed watching the Summer Olympics from Rio de Janeiro. I think one of the reasons I enjoy it so much is that we are seeing the best athletes in the world who have worked for many years in developing their God-given abilities. They are highly skilled athletes who are truly displaying something glorious.
Olympian Athletes And A Weighty God
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for glory means something “weighty” or “substantial”. That is, the opposite of something that is superficial or of no real account. God is the most glorious of all persons and things. He is all-powerful and all-loving, and the Creator of everything that is good on this earth.
Human beings are created in God’s image. We are not gods but in some very real and”substantial” ways, we are like God. We are called to reflect God’s glory. Christian Olympians like Allyson Felix and Steele Johnson intentionally use their athletic gifts to point to their Creator and give thanks to Him.
But even athletes who are not Christians and may even be radically secular, unwittingly reflect God’s glory in their substantial and weighty performances. Our family gives thanks and praise to God for being able to enjoy the goodness of God’s creation as we watch the Olympic performances of all the athletes, whether they are Christian or not, whether they are Canadian or Chinese. Although we definitely enjoy the accomplishments of our Canadian athletes the most.
Let me leave with you with these words from James1:16,17: “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Thank you Lord for the pleasure of seeing your glory and goodness on display at the Rio Olympics through all the athletes.
QOTD: How do you reflect a weighty and substantial God in your life?