Pt. 1
In 2010 the world celebrated the 2500th
anniversary of the advent of the marathon; the 26.2 mile run which set the
standard for excellence and endurance.
The birthplace of the Olympics was a
vast complex in Greece. The games were conducted every four years beginning in
776 BC and lasted until 394 AD, when the Christian Emperor Theodocus
discontinued the games; since he considered them pagan, (as they had been
dedicated to Zeus).
It is obvious that the Apostle Paul was
thinking about the Olympic games as he penned the first two verses of the Book
of Hebrews.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such an amazing
crowd of witnesses, let us divest ourselves of everything which hinders our
progress, and the sin which trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race
which has been designed for us, fixing our eyes on Christ Jesus; the pioneer
and perfecter of our faith. (Hebrews
12:1-2, McDonald Paraphrase of the New Testament)
I love the "meanings behind the meanings" among the multiplied thousands of verses in the Old and New Testaments. That is to say, I enjoy discovering original connotations of scriptural passages, that which 1st Century believers understood; (versus the less informed understanding that we take away from passages of scripture in our current culture).
The opening verses of Hebrews 12 are a great example of what, we, as 21st Century believers have completely overlooked.
The opening verses of Hebrews 12 are a great example of what, we, as 21st Century believers have completely overlooked.
“Let us divest ourselves of everything
which hinders our progress…”
Pt. 2
Another
version of this scripture is just as compelling.
“Let
us strip off anything which impedes the race which we run.”
Interestingly
enough, at least to me, is the fact that athletes were required to participate
in the various races and sports of the ancient Olympics (drum roll)
…absolutely
naked. (I kid you not).
To
be sure, no women were allowed to attend the festivities; at least not single
women. (However, married ladies were invited to “get an eye full”).
One motivation for participating in one’s birthday suit was related to the concept
of modern-day aerodynamics. Speed was paramount.
Following
is a blurb from an article I found on the internet.
“American sprinters at
the London Games will have the option of wearing new uniforms from Nike that the sportswear
company claims are the “swiftest track apparel to date … [and] also the most
sustainable.” The tracksuits, which include material from 13 recycled water
bottles apiece, incorporate patterned patches on the fastest-moving parts of
the body. They are also covered in golf-ball-like dimples “to help reduce the
aerodynamic drag of the athlete.” Nike claims, with great precision, that the
dimpled uniforms shave up to 0.023 seconds off a 100-meter sprint time as
compared to the company’s previous gear.
Although not all runners
will embrace this ultra-high-tech model, opting instead for other Nike uniform
variations, everyone on the track is sure to wear something clingy and
aerodynamic.”
And it can be reported, another benefit of the common embarrassment among athletes was the impossibility of concealing a weapon with which to injure an opponent. (Do the names “Tonya Harding” and “Nancy Kerrigan” ring a bell)?
And it can be reported, another benefit of the common embarrassment among athletes was the impossibility of concealing a weapon with which to injure an opponent. (Do the names “Tonya Harding” and “Nancy Kerrigan” ring a bell)?
Afterward
And
there you have it. The meaning behind what you might have thought was the
meaning. An implication beyond what you may have believed was the implication.
Like
runners on the ancient Grecian Olympic track. Running for all they were worth;
devoid of a stitch of clothing. As believers that’s what you and I should look
like. But before your mouth drops down to your chest, or you call 911 and
report a case of indecent exposure, my inference here is spiritual in nature.
As
a formal mentor, someone who has taken dozens of interns under my wings, and
brought them along in the faith, and in preparation for life and ministry, I
sometimes refer to this scripture.
“Stripping
off anything which hinders us…”
And
I think to do this our spiritual gaze must transcend the momentary, in favor of
the eternal, that we must allow Christ, the Servant-Leader, to fill up our
vision of what it means to be a role model, and that we allow Heritage, Destiny
and Legacy to become our favorite words in this or any other language.
I
suppose I’ll leave off with that. I don’t think I am capable of expressing
better than this.
By William McDonald, PhD. From (Mc)Donald's Daily Diary. Vol. 77. Copyright pending
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