Philippians 3:20-21 “For our conversion is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”
Colossians 3:2 “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth”
Luke 2:7 “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Luke 9:57-58 “And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”
As many people did during these last few weeks, you likely followed the Olympics to some extent. These games are designed to provide a mix of athleticism, friendly competition, and patriotism, and often capture the world’s attention. A fan typically cheers for the members of the team that represents their nation. But, during the last two Olympics games, a new team of athletes was formed that represents no country, but in some way, represents all of humanity.
The Refuge Olympic Team was formed before the 2016 games in Rio. Through support from a variety of nations, these athletes have been given scholarships and sponsorship to compete even though they have been forcibly displaced from their homeland and have no official citizenship. The 29 athletes of this team who competed in the Olympics in Tokyo were displaced from 11 countries, reminding us of the 82 million members of humanity who have been similarly displaced from their homeland and forced into lives wandering through strange lands and foreign locales while longing for the security of a long-lost home. Though these remarkable athletes have won no medals during their two Olympic appearances, their stories are compelling and their courage is remarkable. Their bravery and resilience have represented all of us brilliantly.
In many ways, Christians often feel like refugees, displaced from our homeland in heaven. We feel like we live wandering through strange lands and foreign locales while longing for the security of a long-lost home. Yet, we do have a secure and permanent home and a King who has faced His own displacement. There was no room for Him in the inn. He had nowhere to lay His head. Yet, His bravery and resilience represented all of us perfectly and brilliantly.
PLEASE PRAY THAT AMERICAN CHRISTIANS WOULD FIRMLY REMEMBER THE JOURNEY OF OUR SAVIOUR AS WE LIVE AS REFUGEES ON THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN. As we set our affection on things above, may our bravery and resilience represent the cause of Christ brilliantly.
