I’m late to the party writing about the Olympic opening ceremony, I had to sort out my grief at what I saw so many of my Christian brothers and sisters posting.
Everyone from religious leaders and celebrities to politicians chimed in agreement it was blasphemous, meant to belittle our religion and a disgrace.
The central figure, Barbara Butch, has been threatened with death, torture, and rape in a violent torrent of online abuse. Apologies were demanded as if it would fix what was done and please God.
Jesus did not react this way when he was mocked. In fact, over all ages, as he has been similarly ridiculed, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has shown wave after wave of compassion.
In the Book of Ephesians chapter three, the Apostle Paul revealed that the mystery of the Gospel is that it reaches not just the Jews but also the Gentiles and to the very least of the saints, which is how he describes himself.
It is by sheer grace, Paul says, that he can even preach the riches of Christ and bring light to everyone the mystery of God, who will be made known to all. He implores us to not lose heart over what we suffer for the cause.
Jesus says over and over again to bless those who persecute you, turn the other cheek, and simply go the extra mile for them. These are his basic teachings, straight from the Sermon on the Mount!
So why do we lose heart and why are we surprised, offended even, when we see the world do what the world has done since the beginning of the world? I can only resolve that many are not fulfilled in the love of Christ.
God is the Father of every family in heaven and on earth. Those with the Spirit of Jesus dwelling in their hearts are strongly rooted because they comprehend how great God the Father's love actually is. They are not easily swept up in every controversy or offense (newsflash, more are coming!).
Paul goes on to say that this love of God actually surpasses all knowledge and leads to the fullness of God. Imagine that…the very love of God surpasses all the "knowledgeable" takes we are seeing.
Gratefully, we can see in Scripture what the love of God looks like when Jesus is mocked as he was many times.
In his greatest mocking, a sham trial and execution he was first silent before the judge. Then he prayed for the crowd who wanted him dead, saying, “Lord, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” Finally, as the chief priests and lawyers joined in, he again said nothing. Later, while hanging on the cross, the climax of his humiliation, he simply asked, “God, why have you left me?”
We would be wise to follow Jesus. Are you deeply offended? Stay silent lest you reap what Proverbs 9:7 promises in saying, “Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult.” Jesus did not respond to people who mocked him, he let his life be his response.
Jesus also prayed for everyone who did not know him, which included many “religious” people. If you are so inclined, pray not just for the performers and the evil forces that want to destroy them but especially for the religious folk who have taken the bait and are full of easy anger, desiring to bring wrath that is not theirs to bring.
If you have love for an organization you feel has fallen away from God, be it the Olympics, France as a nation, or even your company, town, family, or your own self, ask as Jesus did, “God, why have you left?” The answer to that prayer must be rooted in a love of God so great it unites his people, the Church, so that our love for each other is the very reason people believe Jesus is real (John 13:34-35).
In her now immortal photo, Barbara Butch flashes a heart symbol with her hands. Undoubtedly she yearns to give and receive love. I pray she experiences the love of God the Father because it is beyond compare. Especially now as she is being attacked by many in Jesus' name.
God is able to do far more abundantly than we ask or think, according to the power of the love at work within those who love him. Do you believe that?
