A couple of weeks ago, I witnessed the best football game I had ever seen – live. A friend of mine invited me to join 
him for the Carolina Panthers/New England Patriots Monday Night Football game in Charlotte. The Panthers came into the game having won 5 straight, their star, Cam Newton, playing some fantastic football in that stretch. The Panthers’ defense stifled team after team and ranked in the top of the league. The anticipation grew, as the game got closer, for this test against the Patriots, The excitement around the stadium that evening was palpable. To top it off – my friend even had great seats!!! (Check out the picture.)
The game was not disappointing in any way – including one incredible scramble and run by Cam Newton and outstanding passing proficiency by Tom Brady. The outcome came down to the last play. Even then, controversy stretched that play out for a few tense moments.
As we left the stadium, the group I was with all agreed it was the best football game we had ever seen.
The sweet taste of victory rang out in the streets of Charlotte that night.
As we continued to walk and then on the drive home, I thought about the victory I witnessed and what I felt. I let those rich deep emotions sink in, touch my soul deeply. I then thought about the ultimate victory that this game was a mere, even weak shadow of. I thought about being in the presence of Jesus Christ one day as he stands in the victory of the complete redemption of all the corruption of the fall and what I would feel. I let those emotions I felt at the game be a taste of that day. A small taste, but a taste nonetheless. (Even as I write this blog, I am listening to the worship song – Your Great Name/Forever Reign – that sings about this time. Just deepens the taste. I can barely keep in the joy, the sense of awe I feel.)
All this came from watching a football game.
I couldn’t help but sense God’s delight in my spectating – not only as I rooted for the success of all the players but more as I let this earthly taste point me to the ultimate satisfaction of my soul. Jesus Christ.
He is the Hero of the Story. He is the One who saves the day like no one else. Every hero, every victor, every victory points us to this one.
The next time you are watching a game, let the emotions you feel in victory and defeat, point you to this one who has such a GREAT NAME!
