The Hope of Glory – Day 2 of Lent

Reading: Colossians 1:24-29 (Use the Logos app in the left column to look it up!)

Watching the Olympics this week I'm always amazed at the use of the word "glory" to describe what the athletes are doing and the medals they're getting for it. Last night we watched Shaun White sail an insane distance above the half-pipe and Lindsey Vonn rocketing down the hill to win skiing gold, all of which were absolutely incredible feats. Watching the athletes stand on the podium to receive their medals, it's always an emotional thing to watch. 

For many, Olympic "glory" will translate into high dollar endorsement deals, a trip around the talk show circuit, motivational speaking gigs and, perhaps, even more medals down the road. For many others (actually MOST of the others) the Olympics will simply be a memory of a brief time in the spotlight. For most of the athletes, "glory" is a relative term.

Reading today's Scripture from Colossians, I'm struck by Paul's definition of "glory," which has absolutely nothing to do with fame or endorsements. For Paul, "glory" is revealed in Christ and, in particular, in Christ's sufferings. The "mystery" that God has revealed is that the messianic hero doesn't come to stand on the podium but to suffer for his people. To be an apostle, says Paul, is to follow Christ by "rejoicing" in suffering for the Gospel, seeing it as a sharing in the work of Christ. 

For disciples of Jesus, "glory" isn't revealed by the outward trappings of medals, podiums and endorsements, but rather by what's happening on the inside–the hope that is revealed because we know that Christ lives in us and through us. For Paul, this is the "hope of glory." 

We know that these athletes and their families have sacrificed a lot for them to be at the Olympics. Christ calls us to sacrifice for an even greater cause–the glory of his Kingdom. May we strive for that prize during this Lenten season. 

PRAYER:

Glorious God, teach us that your glory is revealed in sacrifice. May we place our hope today in the glory of Jesus, who gave his all for us. Amen. 

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