Have you ever closed your eyes and imagined this scene that John talks about in the book of Revelations? Rev. 7: 9-12

“After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!’ And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might
be to our God forever and ever! Amen.'”

I can only imagine the joy that will be pouring out of everyone there as they stand in the presence of unimaginable glory and peace. I feel as though I got a glimpse of that scene, be it very small, but nevertheless a glimpse this past week.

It really is a special thing in our world this day and age when an assembly of people from all over the world can come together and be at peace with one another despite the conflict that may exist with their theology, politics, ideology and culture. But once every two years we are reminded that it is totally possible for humanity to come together and celebrate each other. We are given a small look into what God intends for His creation and it comes in an unlikely place, the Olympics.

This past week I watched the opening ceremonies of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Yes, I understand that at a base level there are many huge problems with the Olympics and they don’t begin to address the real issues and problems that exist in our world. However, the beauty of the opening ceremonies and every metal awards ceremony is that the world takes its burdens and for a moment lays them down and peace happens. Think about that for a moment. When people just set aside their creeds, worries, nationalities, political agendas etc., and just celebrate and love each other, peace happens.

The Apostle Paul states in 2 Corinthians 5:18 that God’s followers here on earth are tasked with the ministry of reconciliation. That God doesn’t count trespasses against us, rather he has entrusted us to bring about a message to the world of finding peace in God. We are God’s ambassadors bringing a message of hope and love and helping show people a kingdom of peace.

Take a cue from the Winter Olympics this year: A country at war inviting its enemies to come walk alongside them as they show love and hospitality to the rest of the world.