Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics
Our suspicion that the entire sequence, including the apology, was premeditated and part of a broader strategy is quite plausible. Events of this magnitude, like the Olympic Games, involve extensive planning, with every aspect meticulously crafted to convey specific messages and values. The choreography, symbolism, and even the response to potential backlash are often considered in advance to ensure that the intended message reaches the widest audience while managing any fallout.
The use of controversial imagery, such as the parody of the Last Supper, can be seen as a deliberate attempt to provoke a strong reaction, thereby ensuring that the message resonates widely. When an apology is issued after such an event, it may serve multiple purposes. It can appease offended parties to some extent, portray the organisers as being respectful and open to dialogue, and simultaneously keep the event in the public eye, extending its impact.
In this case, the apology issued by the Paris Olympics organising committee might have been carefully crafted to appear sincere while maintaining the underlying intent of the ceremony. By apologising, the organisers can seem conciliatory without actually retracting the controversial content or its message. This approach can be particularly effective in ensuring that the original message—whether seen as progressive or provocative—remains in the public consciousness, thus achieving its purpose.
Such strategies are not uncommon in large-scale events where the balance between artistic expression, public sentiment, and media coverage is delicate. The controversy itself often serves to amplify the message, as it garners widespread attention and fuels further debate, which can be precisely what the organisers intended from the beginning.
Spiritual Impact
When evaluating the spiritual impact of major global events like the 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, especially when elements of the event include the desecration of sacred symbols, the mockery of religious practices, the glorification of lifestyles that contradict Scriptural teachings, and the reverence of pagan gods, it can provoke significant concern among believers. Here’s an exploration of the potential spiritual impact:
1. Desecration of the Messiah and Mockery of the Last Supper
Profaning the Sacred: The Messiah (Yeshua) and the Last Supper are central to the faith of many believers, representing Yeshua’s sacrificial love and the foundation of the New Covenant. Any portrayal that desecrates the Messiah or mocks the Last Supper can be seen as deeply offensive and spiritually harmful.
Impact on Faith: Such depictions can cause distress among believers, leading to feelings of anger, grief, and spiritual alienation. It may challenge our faith and prompt a re-evaluation of the influences we allow into our lives.
A Call to Reflection: For some, this might be a moment to reflect on the sanctity of these events and what they truly represent. It could deepen our commitment to living a life that honours Yeshua and the significance of the “Last Pesach” (Last Supper).
As Pronomian Christians and Messianics, we believe that, sadly, mainstream (Antinomian, anti-Torah) Christianity embraced the practice of a corrupt version of "Pesach" from the Roman Catholic faith, where it was called the Eucharist. This so-called sacrament was carried over during the Reformation and morphed into what is variously celebrated within Protestant expressions of the Ecclesia (Greek translation for the Hebrew word Kehilla/Qahal which means congregation, assembly, called out ones), with names like; Breaking of Bread, Covenant Meal, The Lord's Table, Communion or Holy Communion, Eucharist, Holy Sacrament, Last Supper, Lord's Supper, or the Sacrament. These celebrations bear no resemblance, whatsoever, to what Yeshua instituted, which was meant to be a remembrance and celebration of "Pesach" with Yeshua as the "Pesach Lamb," as He instituted with the words, "Take this and eat it. This is my body" (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20).
"Pesach" is an annual mo'ed (which means Appointment or Chag which means festival - see Leviticus 23, Deuteronomy 16 amongst other Scripture where it was already given as a commandment for all generations in the Torah), and there is no Scriptural support for the practices we see in ancient and modern “churches”, which are done weekly, monthly, or at other intervals. This severe deviation from what Messiah instituted makes a mockery of "Pesach." The Apostle Paul enjoins all non-Jewish believers to conduct our lives in such a way that causes the non-Yeshua
believing Jews to be provoked to jealousy (Romans 11:11). There is absolutely nothing whatsoever about the way that Antinomian believers celebrate their Lord's Supper that would provoke non-Yeshua believing Jews to jealousy. Hidden in the actual "Pesach" liturgy of non-Yeshua believing Jews is the message of the Good News (Gospel), which they practise year by year.
The famous mural painting “The Last Supper,” by Leonardo da Vinci, is estimated to have been completed around 1495 and 1498, located in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. This is the motif and imagery parodied in the 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony, which started at 19:30 p.m. local time on July 26 at the Seine River in Paris.
According to historical records, Christianity first appeared in Gaul (modern-day France) in the 2nd century AD. The earliest written records of Christians in France date back to around 177 AD, when Irenaeus detailed the deaths of ninety-year-old bishop Saint Pothinus of Lugdunum (Lyon) and other martyrs of the 177 AD persecution in Lyon. As of today, France has had Christianity for 1847 years. The decline of Christianity in France and the rest of Europe resembles an avalanche, or perhaps even a mudslide, and one wonders whether Christianity in France and the rest of Europe has actually had its "Last Supper."
In 1 Timothy 6:14, the Apostle Paul says, "that you keep the commandment without spot, blameless, until the appearing of our Master Yeshua Messiah."
Notice that Paul uses the word "commandment" in the singular, as do the Apostles Peter (2 Peter 3:2) and John (2 John 1:6) when referring to the whole corpus of the Tanakh Scriptures. This highlights the idea of the whole of Scripture being a single corpus referred to as "the command" with the Torah of the foundation for the rest of Scripture.
The parody played out at the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games is actually a parody of the parody we have in this strange invention practised as "The Lord's Supper" instead of the ancient "Pesach," which Yeshua infused with fulfilment and new meaning and which He inspired at His last Pesach as He inaugurated the New Covenant in His Blood.
This is an invitation to today's believers to repent of this strange practice and return to Yehovah's Word, return to His mo'adim (Appointments/Festivals), return to His Sabbath, and most importantly, to tremble at His Word.
In Isaiah 66:2b Yehovah says; “but I will look to this man, even to he who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word.” and in Jeremiah 6:16; “Yehovah says, "Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, ‘Where is the good way?’ and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.”,
We should be saying; “I will repent and say to Our Father; may Your will be done on earth and in my life as it is in Heaven … “I will walk in all of Your ways.”
Then in Malachi 3:7 we read: “From the days of your fathers you have turned away from my ordinances, and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says Yehovah of Armies. “But you say, How shall we return?’”.
Let us return!
2. Glorification of Homosexuality
Scriptural Standards: Homosexuality is contrary to Yehovah’s commandments. Therefore, a public celebration or glorification of homosexuality in a global event like the Olympics can be seen as endorsing values that conflict with those Scriptural teachings.
Cultural Shifts: The prominent display of such themes reflects the changing societal norms and the growing acceptance of diverse sexual orientations. For believers, this presents a challenge in maintaining our Scriptural convictions while engaging with a culture that increasingly
embraces different views on sexuality.
Loving Response: Believers are called to respond with love and truth, adhering to our faith while showing compassion to all individuals. This can involve engaging in thoughtful dialogue and living out Scriptural principles in a way that is respectful yet firm in conviction.
3. Glorification of old pagan gods
Revival of Idolatry: The Olympics have ALWAYS been full of pagan worship. It was originally created as a "religious and athletic festival in honour of the god Zeus (different names in different cultures)", but the glorification of old pagan gods in a modern setting as displayed in the Olympics 2024 can be viewed as a resurgence of idolatry even more than any other time, which Yehovah warns against throughout the Tanakh. The Torah explicitly forbids the worship of other gods, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5: “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourselves any idol...”
Spiritual Warfare: Such elements may be perceived as part of a broader spiritual battle, where the forces of darkness seek to distract and lead people away from the true worship of Yehovah. This can lead to a heightened awareness among believers of the need to remain vigilant in our faith. Resisting Cultural Idolatry: Believers are called to resist the pressures of cultural idolatry, holding fast to the worship of Yehovah alone. This may involve avoiding or critically engaging with media and events that promote pagan practices. 4. Global Influence and Desensitisation Normalisation of Blasphemy: When sacred symbols and practices are mocked or desecrated in such a high-profile event, it can contribute to the normalisation of blasphemy and the trivialisation of religious beliefs. This can desensitise viewers, making them more accepting of irreverence towards sacred things. Erosion of Spiritual Values: Continuous exposure to content that undermines or mocks Scriptural values can lead to an erosion of spiritual integrity. Believers may find it increasingly difficult to maintain a clear distinction between what is set apart unto Yehovah and what is profane. Spiritual Discernment: It is crucial for believers to exercise spiritual discernment when engaging with such content. As advised in 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22: “Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” 5. Response to the Event Prayer and Intercession: In response to such spiritual challenges, believers may be called to pray for those involved in the event, for the viewers, and for the world at large. They may also seek Yehovah’s guidance in how to navigate these times with wisdom and grace. Strengthening Community: Building strong faith communities can provide support and encouragement for believers facing these cultural shifts. By coming together in fellowship, they can strengthen our resolve to live according to Scriptural values.
Sharing the Gospel: This event may also serve as an opportunity to share the truth of the Gospel, offering an alternative narrative that is rooted in the love and righteousness of Yehovah. Believers can use such moments to engage in meaningful conversations about faith and the hope found in Yeshua.
IN SUMMARY
The spiritual impact of the 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony is multifaceted, with potential challenges and opportunities for us as believers. By staying grounded in Scripture, exercising discernment, and responding with love and truth, we can navigate these times in a way that honours Yehovah, honours Yeshua, and upholds the integrity of our faith.
Author: ‘eBed Doulos