Well, unless you’re living in a cave, you’ve heard that the Super Bowl is this Sunday. Whether you love football or not, chances are you are aware that this is the biggest one-day sporting event of the year. I just saw a news clip that reporters from around the globe will be at the Super Bowl broadcasting in 34 languages! The word “touchdown” is said “touchdown” in every language! Across the country, even the world, people will gather for Super Bowl parties. They’ll eat, cheer, scream, cry, laugh. (By the way, do you know that more avocados are sold at this time than any other time of the year? Guacamole Time!!) Even if you normally don’t follow either team in the game, a ticket to this event is in high demand, despite its extremely high price.
People proudly bear the “badge of honor” – FAN. Recently, my son has complimented me on my “fanhood”! Is that even a word? Ok, I admit it – I am a football fan. And this year, I’m rooting for the underdog Cardinals. If you haven’t heard of quarterback Kurt Warner, you must check out his testimony even if you don’t know the difference between football and cricket (that’s a trick question – in England, football is cricket, and soccer is football. Go figure!) Click here to read about Kurt’s testimony.
People who are fans are followers of various things – sports, celebrities, authors, movies, tv shows, hobbies, etc. Fans know information and statistics about the object of their choice. They spend significant amounts of time engaged in activities relating to these interests.
As a Christian, I am follower of Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, a “fan” of the Lord Most High! Some might (and do) say a “fanatic”. So why is it okay to be a “fan” of earthly activities, yet followers of Jesus are considered “fanatics”? But, that’s besides the point. My point is this – as a Christian, we ought to be engaged in activities that draw us closer to Him with the same (or greater) zeal that fans show to their earthly interests.
In a book I was reading, Henry Blackaby says, “The result of the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples was earthshaking. No, it extended much further than that – these Spirit-filled believers literally shook the gates of hell. So dramatic was the Spirit’s coming upon them that onlookers could not help but be in awe: ‘They were all amazed and marveled’; ‘they were all amazed and perplexed’; ‘they were filled with wonder and amazement’; ‘they marveled’. (Acts 2:7, 12, 3:10, 4:13) Does the world marvel at the church today? Unfortunately, much of what happens in the contemporary church is little more than a reflection of the values and the reasoning of the surrounding culture, instead of a clear demonstration of God’s power.”
He says that we must stop asking, “What can I do for God?” which is self-centered. Rather ask, “What does God want to do through me?” Making that subtle shift in thinking will have dramatic results in your life, for what you’ll witness will be God’s power to transform lives, not just your own ability to help people in need. … You’ll discover that merely watching the activity of God from a distance could never compare with the thrill of being fully involved in the Spirit’s active work.”
I love that last sentence – instead of being a fan on the sidelines, get in the game!! Be a part of the greatest show on earth, so to speak. Partner with God to participate in securing victory for His kingdom! Huddle with God to get His game plan, then go defeat the enemy in His strength!
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. Rom.1:16
I am suffering, yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 2 Tim. 1:12
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13
May you truly have a super Sunday as you worship the Lord Almighty!
Susan