The Final Opening Ceremony

So tonight was the opening ceremony for the 2008 Summer Olympics, which are, of course, in Beijing, China. There is a lot of debate over the different policies of China, which I am not even going to begin to discuss or attempt to wrap my mind around. One thing I truly do appreciate about the Olympics, and the opening ceremony especially, is seeing so many people from so many different nations together. Everyone in the parade is happy, and rightfully so, as many have worked their whole lives to reach the Olympics. People of almost every nation of the world gather in one stadium, and, at least for that event, there is no fighting or bickering over past or current differences.

The opening ceremony of the Olympics makes me think, at least this year, of the Final Opening Ceremony of Life, so to speak. When I say this, I am thinking of the day when all of humanity will stand before Christ. How on Earth do I make this connection? Well, yes, not everyone there will be happy, that is for sure. There will, however, be no fighting or bickering. Everyone who has ever lived will be there, before the throne of God.

Imagine the sight that it will be! Every tribe, every tongue, every nation will be gathered before the Most High God. The anticipation leading up to this has lasted far longer than the anticipation for any Olympic Games. To me, the sight of so many different people together is a beautiful thing, yet it shall not compare to the glory & magnificence & majesty of God and to the beauty of His people singing His praises in rightful harmony.

The Final Opening Ceremony -- to me, that's an apt way to describe what it may be like, though, there surely will be heartbreak there after when He judges (but, do they not judge in the Olympics, as well?). Perhaps my imagination just gets carried away, but really, think about it -- all of the people of the world, not matter what life they had lived, bowing the knee to Christ one day, in acknowledment that He is Lord. That will be a beautiful thing.