Seeing the 2024 Olympic Ceremonies Through Spiritual Eyes: Love vs. Offense - Prayer vs. Condemnation

The aftermath of the 2024 Olympic ceremonies has ignited a whirlwind of opinions from all corners of the globe. People are debating whether the events were tasteful, culturally specific to France, or offensive to Christian values. Some feel Jesus was mocked, while others see it as mere art or entertainment. The reactions are as diverse as the spectators themselves—some responses are positive, some negative, some deeply offended, and others heartfelt.

This article is intended for Christian believers. I urge you to set aside the provocative images you may have seen and momentarily forget the seemingly mocking portrayals. Let’s ask ourselves: Does our faith instruct us to be offended, to fight with fists raised in defense of God? Or does our God call us to pray for the lost? Should we see those who orchestrated these events through His eyes—as lost souls in need of prayer?

Proverbs 19:11 (NIV): "A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense."

Mockery is undoubtedly offensive, and out of reverence for God, I would never participate in it. But is it our duty to condemn those who are lost? Some may argue that Jesus demonstrated righteous anger when He overturned the tables in the temple, an action motivated by the desecration of God’s sacred space.

However, the Olympics is not God's house or a part of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is a worldly event, a platform showcasing the talents of hard-working and gifted athletes. Jesus wouldn’t have overturned tables there. His righteous anger was directed towards actions within the house of God. In the face of worldly matters, Jesus would have prayed for the lost.

2 Peter 3:3 (NIV): "Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires."

A scoffer is someone who mocks, ridicules, or shows contempt for something or someone, often in a dismissive or derisive manner. In a biblical context, scoffers are individuals who scorn or reject spiritual truths and teachings, often displaying a lack of respect or seriousness toward them.

Galatians 6:7 (KJV): "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

Peter warns that scoffers and mockers will appear, particularly in the last days, reflecting the ongoing challenge of dealing with mockery in a fallen world.

The Olympics is a global stage where nothing happens by accident. Personally, I believe the ceremonies were intentionally designed to mock God and provoke Christianity on a global scale. They seemed to align with the agendas backed by entities such as the World Economic Forum, Agenda 2025 and Agenda 2030, which aim to exert totalitarian control over the world, not just Christianity. It is Good Versus Evil.

These agendas point us toward issues like food shortages and mass control, the rise of smart cities that are essentially- control centers, and the well-known depopulation plans of those in power, eventually leading to the cherry on top: the mark of the beast. The beast system is already here. It's been here for some time, and they are showing themselves more and more especially in every entertainment sector.

It seems that the kingdom of darkness often reveals its plans before they come to fruition, as if following an unwritten rule that requires them to disclose their intentions in advance. This disclosure appears to be a way of ensuring that, by our inaction, we effectively give permission for their schemes to proceed.

However, the evil intention backfired, prompting France to offer explanations and alternative narratives to mitigate the backlash. While their explanations might sound plausible, I maintain that the initial intention was to provoke and mock Christianity while showing their real plans.

Nonetheless, we must remind ourselves to always find room in our hearts to pray for everyone involved behind the scenes, not just at the Olympics but at all suffering we see.

There is a beautiful video capturing the people of France coming together in song and worship after the 2024 Olympic events. Rather than responding with offense, violence, or hatred, they gathered in peace and love, expressing their devotion to their Savior through harmonious worship.

As Christians, our response should not be driven by anger or condemnation but by compassion and prayer. We must remember that the true battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. In praying for those who mock or misunderstand our faith or flat out hate our God, we follow Christ's example of love and mercy.

Ephesians 6:12 (NIV): "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

We are called to expose evil. While we shine a light on the demonic agenda, let us also extend mercy and pray for the salvation of their souls. Our hearts must be filled with compassion and ready for prayer. This isn't solely about the Olympics; it's about everyone—the lost, the addicted, the hurting. We must intercede on their behalf, pleading with God. Whenever you encounter darkness, respond with prayer. We are to be intercessors for all who suffer, are lost, or are wounded.

The early Christian Church was forged in the fires of persecution. Figures like James the Greater, Stephen, and Peter exemplify the extraordinary courage and devotion that characterized this era. Their unwavering commitment to Christ, even in the face of horrific death, is a testament to the transformative power of faith. They knew God in a way that the world cannot know in its present state. It is this unexplainable reason and relationships with God that they, we, fight for to those in darkness.

Beyond these well-known figures, countless unnamed Christians endured torture, imprisonment, and exile for their beliefs. Their stories, while often lost to history, are a powerful reminder of the human capacity for resilience and the enduring nature of the Christian message.

Their ultimate commitment to God was demonstrated not through anger or retaliation but through their steadfastness in the face of persecution. Their willingness to face death rather than deny their faith exemplifies the profound depth of their conviction and devotion.

Romans 12:1 (NIV):

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."

May I remind you that when you signed up to follow Christ, you also committed to being a living sacrifice—emphasis on the word "sacrifice." In Romans 12:1, Paul urges us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is our true and proper worship. This means dedicating ourselves fully to God, living out His will in every aspect of our lives, and embracing the daily act of sacrifice in our devotion to Him.

The early Church disciples were living in times of unimaginable suffering. Bound by chains of iron, yet liberated by chains of faith, these pioneers of the Gospel endured tortures that would shatter ordinary souls. 

Yet, their resolve was as unyielding as the bedrock upon which their convictions were founded.

In the face of death, they did not bargain with their conscience. Their refusal to recant was a defiant proclamation, a testament to a love so profound it eclipsed the fear of death. This unwavering courage was not born of bravado, but of a profound encounter with the risen Christ, a transformation that rendered them impervious to the world’s threats.

It is true that Christianity stands out as a singular target of ridicule and scorn among the world agendas. Unlike Buddhism, Hinduism, or Islam, it endures an enormous level of mockery. This phenomenon warrants closer examination.

It suggests that this targeted hostility stems from a profound fear of the truth it holds.

Narcissism, the excessive preoccupation with oneself, is a dominant characteristic of our age. Lucifer, the epitome of pride and self-exaltation, serves as the archetypal narcissist. His rebellion against divine authority is the foundational example of narcissistic behavior.

Christianity, with its uncompromising proclamation of absolute truth and moral standards, poses a direct challenge and threat to this narcissistic worldview. Consequently, those who prioritize self-aggrandizement are often influenced by the insidious spirit of Lucifer, Satan, or the antichrist. 

They frequently resort to ridicule and dismissal as a defense mechanism against the truth. To admit the truth would necessitate acknowledging personal moral failings, a step many in this world are unwilling to take.

Galatians 2:20 (NIV): "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

1 Corinthians 15:31: "I die daily."

Paul's declaration "I die every day" is part of a larger discussion. Paul speaks of his own sufferings and the trials he endures for the sake of the gospel, and his statement reflects the continual process of dying to self that he undergoes as part of his commitment to Christ. This involves setting aside personal ambitions, comforts, and even life itself in the pursuit of living according to God's will. It is a continual, intentional effort to prioritize spiritual values over personal gratification.

The idea of dying daily is also about the ongoing process of spiritual renewal. Just as Jesus taught about the need to take up one's cross daily (Luke 9:23), Paul embodies this principle by constantly aligning his life with Christ’s teachings and allowing his old self to be continually transformed.

Paul’s call to "die daily" serves as a powerful reminder for Christians to examine their own lives. It challenges real believers to evaluate how they can better live out their faith by embracing self-denial, enduring suffering for the sake of Christ, and allowing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit to renew them daily.

Now we can see more clearly that we can best serve God by responding to the Olympic ceremonies and their controversies with love and prayer rather than offense. As Scripture commands us to love one another, it is an act of worship to turn to prayer and stand in the gap rather than resort to throwing stones or raising fists.

Our true worship is reflected in how we pray for others and show love, rather than reacting with anger.

1 John 4:7 (NIV): "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God."

John 13:34-35 (NIV): "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By THIS everyone will know that you are my disciples, IF you love one another."

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV): "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Galatians 5:14 (NIV): "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

The world is deeply wounded, with spiritual scars evident in the pervasive violence and malice. You are a chosen vessel through which God desires to heal these wounds. Embrace love as your guiding light, correct with kindness, and live with purpose. Fear not to reach out to those who spew hatred, for in doing so with love, you are not alone. God's presence is manifested in your words, your compassion, your prayers, and every aspect of your being.

Do not be discouraged if your efforts are initially met with indifference. Others will come along to nurture the seeds you have planted. Release the burden of expectation; it is not yours to carry. Remember, the ultimate victory belongs to God, but you are called to be His representative on earth. Live with honor and integrity, reflecting His character.

Heavenly Father,

I come before You with a heart full of compassion and concern for those who are struggling. I lift up to You those who are battling addiction, those who are feeling overwhelmed by depression, and all who are hurting deeply. Lord, I ask for Your abundant mercy and compassion to envelop them, bringing comfort and relief to their weary souls.

Please provide for their needs, both seen and unseen. Bless their families, their marriages, and their children. Surround them with Your love and grace, and let Your provision be evident in their lives.

I pray for our enemies and those who oppose us, asking that You remove the demonic deceptions that cloud their understanding and vision. Dispel the darkness from their lives and replace it with Your divine light. Heal their wounds, both physical and emotional, and grant them the opportunity to encounter Your truth.

Lord, open their eyes to see the truth of Your love and salvation. Let Your healing power flow through their lives, bringing wholeness and restoration. May Your truth and light guide them to a place of peace and freedom.

Thank You for Your unfailing love and for hearing our prayers. We trust in Your ability to work miracles and transform lives.

In Jesus' name, we pray,

Amen.

Amanda Allen, Kingdom Revelations © 2024. All rights reserved.