Good evening brethren and Happy Sabbath!

Where are they from?

If you've been watching the Olympics this week, you've probably noticed something missing: Russia.  You may have also noticed a new country competing: OAR.  OAR stands for Olympic Athletes from Russia, and the reality is, this is the Russian team.  Since Russia was banned from competing in the Olympics this year for alleged government backed doping, the Olympic committee came up with a way for the athletes from Russia to be able to compete without Russia actually being awarded any metals.  Hence, the OAR team. 

Without a homeland

We live in a crazy world - and that's putting it mildly.  School shootings, nuclear saber-rattling, non-Biblical definitions of marriage and family are all party of our daily news intake.  Although we live in a wonderful country that God has granted great blessings and favor too, I think it's safe to say that is seems foreign to the world we picture Christ ruling over at His return.

I imagine the Olympic Athletes from Russia might feel a bit disconnected from their homeland as well.  Those competing were thoroughly screened for illegal substances before being allowed to compete.   Not because of anything they personally did, but because of what their government is accused of.  And while they may have understood the concerns of Olympic officials, one imagines they might feel a bit taken aback at the idea of cheating in their respective sports, and even feel as though they have been presumed guilty.  No doubt these athletes can identify with the phrase 'man (or woman) without a country.'

We can relate

I wouldn't trade living in the United States for any other country on the face of the Earth.  But we must remember where our citizenship ultimately rests.  It is not limited to this Earthly existence!  It brings to mind what is written of those heroes of faith we read about in Hebrews 11.  They too found themselves without a country.  In Hebrews 11:13-14 (NKJV), it says, " These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.  For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland."

As we enjoy watching the Olympics over the next week, let us keep this thought in mind.  We can cheer for our favorite athletes, and be thankful for the freedom and peace we have here in the USA.  But this is not our ultimate destination.  Let's remember the words of Philippians 3:20, "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."  How forward we look to being a part of that new country!