February 21, 2010

The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church – February 21, 2010

Rev. Kristin Sundt 

Lukas  Luke 4:1-13

Giving It All

The Winter Olympic Games are on in Vancouver, Canada. It is impossible to avoid this fact when you turn on the TV or read the newspapers. A total of 21 athletes from Minnesota are competing in this years games. Minnesota have by the way more participants in Team USA than another State in the Union. Lindsey Vonn is probably the most famous of the people in this group. We have watched a lot of sport on TV lately at my house. There have been many wonderful performances so far. Olympic Games are only held every 4 years and a Olympic Gold Medal is sought after.

The athletes at the Vancouver Games have trained hard for a long time. The competition is stiff and it may take years to reach the top and become an Olympic champion. An athlete have to give it all in order to place well in his or her field. It is amazing to see what a person is willing to endure in order to step up on the podium to receive a medal. We have heard many stories which tugs at the heart at this years Olympic Games. Shen Xue og Zhao Hongbo from China won the gold medal in the pairs figure skating. They have participated in every Winter Olympic Games held since 1998. This was their 4th and last Olympic Games. They are highly decorated, but had previously never won a gold medal in the Olympics. They came back from retirement to make their last effort to reach the top in an Olympic event and they finally succeeded in Vancouver.

Many Olympic medal winners are well know ahead of time or become stars overnight. I have heard an awful lot about Lindsey Vonn lately, through articles in the newspapers and comments about her on TV. Another person who has reached fame is Shawn White who won the snowboard halfpipe competition. It amazing how high he is able to soar in the air doing jumps and tricks on a snowboard. Some of the Olympic Heroes are only famous a short time, but others are remembered for a longer time especially if they have won medals at more than one Olympic game.

So what does today’s Bible passage have to do with the Olympic Games? We have entered the season of Lent, and are being met by Jesus who have been led into the wilderness after he has been baptized. Jesus is a well known person who has not lost popularity since he was born in Bethlehem approximately 2010 years ago. The first Winter Olympic Games was held in Chaminix, France in 1924 and that is not so very long ago. It is more people who know about Jesus than know the athletes who have competed in the Winter Olympic games. Jesus is a remarkable person who is so very different from the sport heroes of today.

The participating athletes hope to get up on the podium to receive a medal around their neck, get fame, honor and reap financial gains for their performances. Jesus is heading the other way. He will be experiencing suffering. The first step towards Jerusalem is being taken. Jesus is willing to suffer and die for all human beings to bring about reconciliation with God, contrary to the athletes who are seeking their own gratification. 

There are many similarities between athletes in Vancouver and Jesus. Both parties give all they have to follow their course. It is not easy to be a top athlete in today’s world, it a lot of sweat and tears and there is also danger associated with certain sports. Athletes are prone to injuries. An athlete from Georgia died from injuries he got practicing luge just prior to the opening of the Games. This young man had planned to represent his homeland in the upcoming luge competition. It was a tragedy that put it’s mark on the opening of this year’s Games.

Athletes have to go through tryouts in order to be able to compete. Ahead of big international sports event like the Olympics they have to compete against their own teammates first, before they are allowed to compete for real. Jesus ended his life on earth on a cross, but at the beginning of his ministry he was tempted. This happened so that he would be made ready to enter his ministry.

Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, secluded from the culture and every day living. Jesus is alone in order to hear God’s Voice. He is fasting and praying. He is fighting with the Devil. It is important for us to know that Jesus was victorious through it all.

Three temptation are mentioned in our Scripture reading: The first temptation consisted of  satisfying bodily hunger after a 40 days fast, when Jesus was asked to turn a stone into bread. The second temptation was about power. If Jesus was willing to worship the Devil, all power on earth would be given to him. The third temptation is about forcing God’s protection. Jesus overcame all these temptations with the help of  Scripture. It shows how powerful Scripture can be when it is used properly.

We are during the Season of Lent invited to follow Jesus’ example. He put aside 40 days to pray and seek God guidance for his life.

Let us pray:

Gracious God, send your Holy Spirit to be our guide during this Lenten season. Sustain us with your grace as you draw us closer to Christ. Help us serve only you. Amen

The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church ·  924 E. 21st St, Minneapolis, MN 55404-2952 ·  (612)874-0716