Today, athletes from more than 200 nations take part in the Olympic Games, but back in 1904, only 12 nations did so. Game participants spend months and sometimes years preparing to compete because they want to represent their country well. Being on the podium hearing their country’s national anthem after winning a gold medal fills them with joy, knowing they have achieved their purpose for their country. Just as athletes represent and benefit their countries, in a far greater sense, Jesus Christ benefitted all humanity when he represented us on the cross. We read this in Hebrews 2:9:”Because he suffered death for us, he is now ‘crowned with glory and honor.’ Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone.” Jesus came from heaven to take on human flesh. As a perfect man, He died for everyone. His death becomes effective for us when we by faith accept Him as God’s Lamb. We can be grateful that God our Creator loved us enough to send heaven’s best to serve as our representative. In gratitude, we should accept Him, love Him, and live to please Him. We should dedicate ourselves to achieve His kingdom agenda of spreading love, justice, and righteousness in our world.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
