The Olympic opening ceremony is a global pep rally for the Olympic Games.  After the host nation shows off their creative display of patriotism, it’s time for what many think is the best part.  The Parade of Nations.

What a spectacle!  From the pale blonds of Austria to the tall, black of Zimbabwe.  Long-legged sprinters.  Petite, compact gymnasts.  Men and women of almost every tongue, color, economic background in one place with the eyes of the world looking on.  Some teams, like the US have hundreds of athletes.  Some countries send fewer than five.

As I was watching the Parade of Nations, I heard a commentator say “Here we have the fullest spectrum of humanity.”

And I thought, yes.  Yes, it is.  But it’s not the greatest spectrum of humanity.

The greatest spectrum of humanity will take place at a heavenly gathering at the end of time.

Revelation 7:9 says, “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number,from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.”

If you think the warm fuzzies that you get from the heart-warming stories of the Olympic Games are nice (which I do).  It will be nothing to the joy of spending eternity hearing the stories of those saved by the blood of the lamb.

Until then, the Olympic Games provide a small window to the eclectic multitude that will one day be praising the Messiah.  I’m ready for the Praise of Nations, that’s for sure.

(Until then, Go Team USA!)