I’ve started to enjoy watching sport quite late in life. As a child, Dad always had sport on the TV, so I wouldn’t watch it on principle! Well, I enjoy watching some sports ……. I still think pulling my fingernails out one by one would be preferable to watching golf! However, this week watching the lionesses and the Commonwealth gymnasts and swimmers has been amazing. I delight in hearing their inspirational stories especially when they have beaten the odds, been doggedly training for years or have conquered adversity.
Just recently in the commonwealth games, it seems to me there are often two individuals from the same country who are medal winners on the podium. Or maybe colleagues who are from different home countries but have both been in Team GB in the Olympics. It’s as if the friendly competition has made each athlete better and helped both to reach their potential. It’s great when they speak afterwards of their mutual camaraderie and support. And I love to be party to their victory celebrations.
It’s made me wonder if those in Heaven look down on us in the same way. Does our persistence in the face of adversity and our victory over hindrances give them joy? Are they happy when they see us support and encourage each other? There is no greater victory than the victory over sin and death. Do they celebrate every sinner who ‘makes good’, repents and is ‘coming home’? Those are the celebrations I’m looking forward to being a part of.
Hebrews 12:1,2
“As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses round us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end.”