Wow… I felt I must share my thoughts on the choices made by the French Olympic committee for the opening ceremony. I am sure that to say it has gone viral is an understatement.
To date, I have watched videos, read articles and seen enough of the (IMO) poor choices of what they felt important to display as French culture and history. Apparently, I am not the only one either, as I read several people complaining about the Opening Ceremony calling it one of the worst, "I'm actually embarrassed on the behalf of France, this is going down as the worst opening ceremony in history."
Can we be honest here? Are we really in shock?
To be clear, I am not. Afterall, it is written in scripture, that this is the fruit from NEGLECTING to fear and revere the one true God.
As I read this verse from the OT, Isaiah 5:20, the prophet Isaiah warns us, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”.’
This OT verse pulled up a well written summary by Tessa Emily Hall, contributing writer for the Bible Study Tools.
“It seems that, over time, our society has reached a conclusion: There is no right or wrong, good or evil. Truth is based on one’s own opinions and preferences, and it can be adapted according to certain situations. But those of us in Christ know that, without placing our faith in the absolute truth of the gospel, we will not have a solid foundation on which to stand.
As long as our principles are rooted and grounded in God’s Word, we are saved from potential destruction that can be reaped from sinful lifestyles. So how can we keep our principles and values from slowly morphing into that of the world’s?
And what did the prophet mean in Isaiah 5:20 when he wrote: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil”?
In this chapter, the prophet Isaiah is providing a warning for the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem for their sinful behavior during this time—specifically concerning their drunken indulgence. This was an evil that had spread rampant during that time, and this lifestyle was common due to a lack of both respect and fear toward God.
Since these people did not seem to live with a conscience, they did not believe that their sinful acts were evil. Their minds were so influenced by the controller of this world (Satan) that their perspective had become skewed, causing them to create unbiblical standards. These principles were so watered down that, not only did they neglect to recognize their sinful actions, but they actually viewed their behavior as good.
Doesn’t sound too far off from the times we’re living in now, don’t you think?
Let’s take a look at the verse that comes before verse 20 (Isaiah 5:19):
“They even mock God and say, Hurry up and do something! We want to see what you can do. Let the Holy One of Israel carry out his plan, for we want to know what it is.’”
Can you sense the mockery tone in that passage? Even the way in which they addressed God as “Holy One of Israel” seems to have come from a sarcastic attitude. They continued to indulge in sin while mocking Isaiah’s prophecies—similar to the way the world continues to mock scripture and the church today.
Verse 20 (in the NLT version) goes on to say:
“What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.”
Sinners often believe they are living a life of freedom. But those of us in Christ should know the truth: It is only by abiding by God’s Word that we can find true freedom. If we adapt our morals and standards according to Scripture and walk in obedience to Christ, then we save ourselves from the “sorrow” that Isaiah prophesied about in this passage.
Furthermore, the symbols of “dark” and “light” are used consistently throughout Scripture to illustrate the contrasting differences between good and evil.
In fact, Psalm 119:105 reminds us that the Bible is the “lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (See at the end of this post for my ‘Lamp vs Light’ feature I shared)
If we neglect to use Scripture as our guide, then we will be like those mentioned in Proverbs 4:19: “The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know over what they stumble.”
It is only through using the Bible as our guide that we will walk the paths that we were meant to walk.”
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Now, back to my thoughts… remember friends, that God will not be mocked! No matter how bad it looks, He is still in control and only allows what He desires for His purposes.
Let’s be strengthened by verses like these!
Galatians 6:7
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.
The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
Now… should we watch or ban?
While it is important, while we still have it, to exercise our freedom of speech and I appreciate how many individuals are outspoken about the debauchery of the opening ceremony.
There are still the athletes to consider. I am sure many of them were disappointed at the lack of integrity and thoughtfulness to what it entails to be an athlete of this caliber.
As an athlete they can only handle their part. I am quite positive many of them are living their dreams at this very moment, no matter what the ceremony was. I can only assume they are interested in representing their country and utilizing the gifts and opportunity God had blessed them with.
It is with this in mind and as time allows, that I will tune in to specific sports that interest me.
It is not the athlete’s fault for the debauchery displayed. We should pray for all the athletes, families and associates to draw close to God while there and ask God to use the ‘mess’ for His message in only the way He can do!
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
This verse is a comforting assurance that God turns everything to good for those who love Him. No matter what adversarial circumstances befall us, the Lord’s providence will intervene and turn things to the benefit of His people.
The verse reflects the overarching sovereignty and benevolence of God.
Let’s pray that many are DRAWN to Jesus even in the midst of this...
Now for a little fun fact for those of you that don’t know… when I was young, I dreamt of participating in the Olympic Equestrian events. And while growing up with horses my family offered me the opportunity to learn to jump.
I believe that was my all-time favorite activity… still to this day.
Check out this fun drawing given to me by a fan long ago after reading in a magazine interview about my dream as a young girl…
While living in Los Angeles (2001) during the busiest time of my career, I found opportunity to train at the LA Equestrian Center and lease a wonderful Thoroughbred gelding named, Calgary. It was a blessing to ride and get to show him!
Here’s just a fun jog down memory lane …as the Equestrian ‘3-Day Eventing’ series is airing.
And yes, I watched the Cross-Country jumping event last night… and went to sleep asking God, if at least one time, while in Eternity, He would allow me to ride and jump one of His majestic horses!!!
Thanks for joining me today… remember live Radiantly.. today!
Monica
In case you missed my ‘Lamp vs Light’ substack post, here it is…
Lamp vs Light
This year I’ve committed to read through the Bible chronologically following a plan from The Bible app called ‘The Bible Recap’. Along with this plan there is an optional corresponding podcast that emphasizes details and extra history relating to the daily scriptures.