Lord Sebastian Coe was asked many times in the days following the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics how London 2012 would match their spectacular games. Each time his answer was the same; ‘London 2012 is about the legacy it will leave’. The legacy of 2012 was London’s major selling point and remains its focus; after the games sport at the grass roots level throughout the United Kingdom will be stimulated and resourced to flourish.
As the investment goes into sport in the UK over the next four years then sport will become increasingly important, and at Christians in Sport this leaves us marveling at the unprecedented opportunities Christians, who are involved in sport will have to represent Christ. With more and more people participating in sport it means that it’s vital that we see how a Biblical view of God’s people in God’s world glues together a love for Christ and a passion for sport. It also means that there are unprecedented opportunities to give those, who otherwise might never hear about Christ, an opportunity to meet someone who knows him personally and find out about what it means to follow him.
However the growth of sport in the UK also presents us with a real challenge; will we be able to meet the opportunities and demands that will come with 2012 and perhaps more importantly will we be able to leave a legacy for Christians in Sport that matches the legacy of the London Olympics? This question goes right to the heart of Jesus’ Great Commission. He said ‘All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me, go then and make disciples of all people groups’ (often translated nations). The people group of sport is already huge and it’s getting bigger so will we see this as a vital 21st Century mission field?
Notice though that as always - with Jesus’ challenge comes his encouragement; ‘all authority on heaven and earth has been given to me’. He is the one with authority and power to do this great task and so we must pray and ask him to raise up disciples in the world of sport. Notice also though that with his encouragement comes his challenge; will we be disciple-makers in the world of sport?
So as we wave goodbye to Beijing and turn out attention to 2012 will you take up the challenge and will you pray for Jesus to raise up disciples in the world of sport because 2012 is just around the corner? And will you get on the pitch and be part of this great opportunity by being distinctive for Christ? What an opportunity we have to leave a lasting Christian legacy!
