“This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.” 2 Timothy 2:11

It was getting late when I remembered that the Pittsburgh Steelers were playing on Monday Night Football. Old habit and intrigue took a seat in my head as I flipped the channel to check it out. Sight and sound immediately met feelings of comfort, as old remembrances began to stir. But a quick pan of the camera, unavoidable but necessary, proved…it was all a lie. And then…it wasn’t!

Ask me where I’m from and I’ll tell you, “Pittsburgh!” Having been born and raised there until the age of 19…less than a third of my life! But I carry its influences to this day! Having lived through the 70’s Steelers Football heyday, I carry an old torch for the team. Even though they have not really lived up to their legacy. I blame Ben!

Quarterback Ben has been kind of a let down to me. Not that I KNOW much. To ME he seems to get hurt too easily and looses a lot. Much of the time…off of the playing field. Last night they won, the sounds of the crowd confirming it. That is, until the camera panned out to show the stadium COMPLETELY EMPTY of people due to Covid. The sound was faked and a lie. Then a small group of players, from both teams, took to the center of the field.. to PRAY!

The thought that ran though my head as Ben exited the field was, “Ha…typical Ben…of COURSE HE wouldn’t join the prayer circle.” An interviewer shoved a mic into his face and began to ask about his role. He responded, “well FIRST I’d like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!” My jaw dropped and I ran to the internet. And there it was….ol Ben has had a BIG change take place in his heart. Immediately, so did I!

Now go ahead…judge me on shallowness. But I TOLD you I’m only an occasional, when it’s convenient, fan. I know almost NOTHING about football. The only pain I ever got from it was when I was punched and robbed at the Steeler’s victory parade in 1975! But…I HAVE been a JESUS fan for a LOT Longer! Call it shallow if you want, it’s OK. But after seeing a few dozen men kneel, in an an empty stadium, standing up for Jesus…I JOY in the fact that, “I am personally ‘teammates’ with Ol Ben.” And that is no lie! Go Jesus! Go Steelers!

Whose team are YOU on?