Like many people around the world, I've been glued to the TV watching the Olympics, many nights staying up later than I should. Sunday night, my husband called out to me saying, "Come quick if you want to see history in action!" I walked into the room just as the men's swim teams were stepping up on their platforms to compete in the 4x100 meter medley relay. Moments later, Jason Lezak reached out and touched the screen, seconds ahead of the others, pulling Michael Phelps into an Olympic record sweep that has never been seen before. My husband's arm had been resting on mine and we laughed as our goosebumps touched. (And yes, there were wet eyes). Writing this now, the goosebumps return as I recall watching the amazing athleticism displayed by the man who swims like a dolphin. I'm sure we weren't the only ones to consider Michael Phelps an Olympic hero!
Consider:
- What heroic feats have awed you?
- How does heroism inspire us?
Grow
Quiet Heroes
Watching Michael Phelps receive his special award for 8 gold medals, I was struck by his relay teammates, in particular the 32 year-old Jason Lezak who seemed to beam with pride. Naturally he was overjoyed; he too had won a gold medal and is an accomplished athlete in his own right. But listening to his comments on how happy he was to push Phelps towards this honor made me really concentrate on the pressure he must have been under. Being the last one in the race, the oldest (sadly, in Olympic years, 32 might provide you with a senior discount...), and neck-in-neck with the Australian individual world record-holder Eamon Sullivan, Jason Lezak knew all eyes were on him to bring Phelps a well-deserved reward. When Lezak swept past his competition and touched the screen, winning the relay, the crowd exploded and the cameras swept to Phelps' reaction. Later, the always gracious Michael Phelps over and again acknowledged the great accomplishment of his relay team. After Jason Lezak's few minutes in front of the camera wishing Phelps congrats, the media glitz is only getting more brilliant for the Eight-Gold Winner Phelps, as he graces covers and wins endorsements.
All hard-won medals, all great accomplishments could never happen without the quieter heroes, the people who won't have their names remembered for generations.
In Sunday's sermon, we remember Nehemiah for all the work, prayer and fasting he did to rebuild his city and his temple. In reality, he couldn't have done it alone, and God no doubt called out to others to be Nehemiah's trusted partners, quieter heroes who made unmentioned, yet invaluable contributions.
Read:
- From Romans: 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God to those who are called according to his purpose
Consider:
Questions from the sermon:
- What is God calling you to do in your life?
- Where do you see God leading you to help change God's world for the better in whatever way God has gifted you to do it?
A Team Together
Pastor Chris' sermon words speak to the theme of quiet heroes when he tells us we're all working together whether behind the scenes or leading the pack, "It's a journey we're on together: a journey of learning, of holy discontent, of prayer and of action, and there's something that everyone in the entire community can do to participate."
Read:
- Nehemiah 2:18 [1] And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good...And they said, "Let us rise up and build." So they strengthened their hands for the good work.
- sermon [1]
Consider:
- A prayer of thanks for all quiet heroes.
Close
Sometimes we are called to lead; sometimes we are called to support. It's what we do together that makes things happen!
Prepare
Next Sunday is August 24, although not the absolute end of summer, we're certainly closing in on the season. What prayers, thoughts, and preparations do you want to make for the coming fall?
Words for the Week
Monday
- Jeremiah 29:1-11 [2]
Tuesday
- Matthew 23:37-39 [3]
Wednesday
- Matthew 6:7-8 [4]
Thursday
- Matthew 6:13-18 [5]
Friday
- Luke 10:1-2 [6]
Saturday
- Luke 10:5-9 [7]