The Lord said to [Moses], ‘This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, “I will give it to your descendants”; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.’ Then Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, at the Lord’s command.

Deuteronomy 34:4-5 (NRSV)

Covid Tests Can Lead to a Sudden Defeat

I can’t imagine being an Olympic athlete, especially one near the end of their Olympic career, finding out that they’re not going to get to compete because of a positive COVID diagnosis. To have gone through all that training, and to have sacrificed so much, only to be told no: it must be unbearable. My thoughts went instantly to Moses, who climbs Mount Nebo one last time to see the promised land…and dies, unable to complete the quest.

It’s not fair! Anyone who worked that hard should get a special dispensation: “Okay, you trained, you qualified, you ARE Olympic material, but things just didn’t go your way on this particular day. Come back after quarantine and do your thing and we’ll just hold the awards until then.” 

I guess it’s obvious why I’m not in charge of the Olympics. 

Why, God, Why?

It’s hard, but things happen at the time they happen. Some times for a reason, but also sometimes because they just have to happen some time, so it may as well be then. And the whole project of competing in an Olympic event is bound to that particular time, in that particular place. Just as the Israelites had to finally end their quest at that moment, right after Moses died and went home to be with God. 

Of course, in the Old Testament wilderness story, God spares Moses a lot of heartache to come. The Israelites will have to fight for their place in the land, and they will come under fire again and again. They will quarrel among themselves, and some will die. Who’s to say that the journey Moses had with them wasn’t every bit as important as the goal? How did they grow and change by sharing that travel with him? 

What Do We Do With Bad News?

And what lessons do athletes learn on their way to competing? I’m not saying it’s not a tragedy to be denied the thing you most wanted. But former Olympians, whether they win or even compete, often go on to lead very interesting lives. Many wind up relying the skills they’ve acquired along the way. 

As we read the news from China about the games and who’s not able to compete, I will be holding them in prayer for their next chapter. No one wanted to hold a pandemic Olympics, any more than I wanted to begin my ministry in the midst of that same rotten pandemic. We’re all doing all we can. Join me in a prayer for all those who’s plans were thwarted, and for a way forward in a brave new world.