Rainbow Nation, World Cup and the Risen Lord

By general agreement South Africa has done a good job in organising the World Cup, with a warm welcome and a party atmosphere. At its best sport can unite races and nations, as South Africa knows from the Rugby World Cup in 1995 (the film Invictus gives a fairly accurate but over-romanticised account).
It has been good to see the evident delight of all South Africans. The risen Lord, ‘the ruler of the kings of the earth’ (Revelation 1:5) would approve.

But not all is well. The football thus far has been widely seen as dull and unimaginative (but keep an eye on Argentina). The ubiquitous vuvuzelas have not won universal acclaim. The unpleasant pillorying of England goalkeeper Rob Green in the British press confirms humanity’s ability to exploit failures.

More seriously, it is likely that when the World Cup moves on some underlying problems will be unchanged. There has been genuine joy in the townships of Alex and Soweto, but when it is all over the poverty and injustice will remain. The risen Lord who will return to hold all to account (Revelation 1:7) would not approve.

Meanwhile the report on the Bloody Sunday killings has been published. It remains to be seen whether this brings resolution or whether the blame game will continue. Perhaps something could be learnt from the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Truth matters – but so does forgiveness. Ultimately this can only be found in and through the risen Lord who ‘loves us and has freed us from our sins’ (Revelation 1:5).
John Grayston