“and a great crowd of people followed Him because they saw the signs He had performed by healing the sick.” John 6:2
O.K…I’ll admit it! Yesterday was the first day of NFL Football since the Covid and protest events, and we just had to check it out! Katie is more of a football fan than me, even if it is simply to have a game on to hear the favored sounds that remind her of Fall. To be honest, my REAL interest was in the HYPE that was centered around the game. As it turns out, I was not disappointed at being disappointed!
Though I have seen the promos, it is STILL a shock to see Tom Brady in a Tampa Bay Bucs uniform! Like many, I can’t seem to understand the what’s and why’s of how that all happened! Many Bucs fans have been excited about the acquisition though, and have said, “We got us a winner now!” as Tampa went on to lose the game. But the BIGGEST and WORSE loss came by way of petty politics and advertising.
Though knowing it was going to be there in some way, I was not prepared for the significant onslaught of my sensibilities. The message was loud and clear…injustice, bigotry, racism, a pandemic and even global warming are RAMPANT in the world…and it’s all MY fault! It is now MY job to jump right up and change the way I think and live so that OTHER’S demands can be met! The assault comes more in the form of a demand than a request!
Jesus caused a stir in His day, much like Tom Brady, when He brought HIS reputation to town. Healing people of sickness and disease was a big deal back then, and because the ones who got the most success were the ones who got the closest, crowds crowded Him all the time. Their petitions went from requests to demands, and then fanned the flames of expectation. When He didn’t meet theirs…they killed Him
Today’s world does not seem to have changed much. I see it often, as people come, and then go, often hostilely leaving because their own expectations have not been met. Not getting what one feels they want, deserve or demand can do that to a person. Which is a reminder to ME that I must be careful in my own expectations as well.
As football gear and stadiums are decorated to reflect a demanding change for something I have little or nothing to do with, it is left to the customers (FANS) to determine if they want to put up with the hype. I am reminded that Jesus cares little for my demands or agenda. His call is to service and separation from the selfishness of the world. And if ANYONE understands abuse it is HIM. But with His call comes the PROMISE that if I choose to follow Him, I can and SHOULD expect the same treatment HE received. Complaining about it isn’t going to make it go away!
So….will I keep my eyes focused on Him??? Will YOU? Stay tuned!
