The opening ceremony of each new Olympiad is breathtaking. The pageantry and excitement of this multi-ethnic extravaganza is a celebration of what is best about our human natures. With no competition involved, the opening ceremony is pure celebration. Each nation, language, and culture shares its best with the world. Colorful, expressive, joyous, festive, jubilant, and magnificent are simply inadequate words only approximating a description of this unique moment.

        Such a celebration was anticipated long ago by an old preacher, exiled to die alone on a barren island off the coast of Asia Minor. What could stir joy in such a desolate place? What could move a bent and abandoned old man to passionate anticipation? What could take punishment and make it a studio of hope? What could turn isolation into the anticipation of reunion? He was given the gift of finding God’s dream! John described this vision with these words:

        “I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language. ... They cried out in a loud voice:  ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne and unto the Lamb!’” (Revelation 7:9-11)

        So as elaborate and breathtaking the Olympic opening ceremonies seem, they are but a small, drab glimpse of God’s dream for His people. He has something much more incredible planned for those who love and faithfully serve Him—a celebration of unity and joy unfettered by language, cultural, and racial barriers. No auditorium, arena, or stadium will be large enough to hold it. People from every nation, tribe, people and language will gather to honor their God and celebrate with each other. No one will have to leave to return home, for they will have already arrived. Everyone present will have won life’s most important contest and will have received a victor’s trophy at the party which will never end!

        As you watch the opening ceremonies of this new Olympiad, remember the glimpse they give us of God’s dream: an enormous crowd of people from every nation, language, people, and tribe gathered around God, loving each other, and all sharing the joy of victory without knowing the agony of defeat.

        While very few of us will ever be able to participate in the opening ceremony of an Olympiad, we can all take part in finding God’s dream. Let’s pursue that dream with as much dedication and courage as the Olympic athletes pursued their dreams of competing. When we stand at the victors stand to receive our prize, the effort will seem inconsequential to our reward!