Of God and Football

Okay, so this picture is from last season. But, I needed a picture of Mark Brunell and I couldn't bring myself to post one of him beating the Raiders. I much prefer to see him being sacked by a used-to-be-good Raider defense. Hey, it's my blog! I'll live in the past if I want to! Anyway, it goes with the post.

I've been thinking about sports and how they fit into God's plan for us. Do I have it all wrong? Is it selfish of me to enjoy watching a game or talk about game stats with my friends when there are people dying every second who don't know Jesus Christ as their personal savior? What's the purpose of it? Or, is there a purpose?

I've told this story before, but it's worth repeating (besides, I'm old and that's what old people do; they repeat their stories). During the World Series in 2002, I was part of the United States Air Force Color Guard that posted the flags during the pre-game singing of the National Anthem in San Francisco. For our performance, the Giants furnished my team with tickets in the outfield bleachers for the series.

Because it was the World Series and the stadium was obviously sold out, not all of the seats were in one area. Two of us had to volunteer to sit away from the rest of the team. And that's how I found myself sitting in the outfield bleachers at the World Series with a friend of mine. Like me, Jon is also a Christian. And, like me, Jon is an avid sports fan (although, unlike me, he likes the Angels and the Broncos - go figure).

Anyway, one thing led to another and soon Jon and I began to talk about God and sports and the reason for stadiums that will hold umpteen thousand people for a game. Pretty soon, our conversation was joined by those sitting around us. People to our front, back, and sides, all at the World Series and all talking about God and how He fits into the picture.

As I sit here now, I wonder how far that conversation spread. If people around us joined in, did people around the people who were around us join in as well? God was there not just in Spirit, but He revealed Himself through the unity of people. They were not all Christians around us. And somebody probably needed to hear what was said that day.

Here's another story and the reason for the picture of Mark Brunell.

On any given Sunday, members of the Jacksonville Jaguars form a huddle – around a Bible. What began in 1996 as a Bible study in the living room of Mark Brunell, the Jaguars' quarterback (now with the Washington Redskins), has grown into a 1000-member congregation. They just purchased a 150-acre plot of land on which they plan on building a church to accommodate their growing numbers. One player and church member, Brian Schwartz, even left the NFL to become a full-time preacher at another church in Texas.

During the 1996 football season, and periodically during the off-season, the group met every two weeks, and then every week during the 1997 football season. By this time, the living-room bible study group had begun to grow, attracting football players and people from the Jacksonville community alike. By 1999, the group numbered over 200 people and Southpoint Community Church was officially founded in the ballroom of theMarriottt Hotel in Jacksonville.

I guess my point to all this is that God can use anything to bring people into a relationship with Him. Sports is certainly a subject that most men can relate to (and many women too - I know, I know). So, why not use sports as a catalyst to bring people together?

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun. - Ecclesiastes 8:15

When I read this passage, I hear God telling me to enjoy life. Yes, I have to work. Yes, I have to live my life to serve Him. But, that doesn't mean rejecting the blessings and escapes He places in front of me. I like my life and appreciate the blessings He provides.

I don't get to watch much football anymore. Sunday evenings are just about the only games I can catch. We have church Sunday mornings and Bible study on Monday evenings, so all those games are out. But, I'm okay with that.

When God gives me a moment to relax in front of the TV or talk some sports smack with friends, I'll take what I can get. As long as He comes first, I will continue to enjoy whatever He gives me.

Multi-Million Dollar Prima Donnas

This is the play that epitomizes the Raider's season in 2006. In the same game that saw Randy Moss catching his 100th career touchdown, he also dropped this pass in the paint. The Raiders had to settle for three points on a field goal instead.

And Jerry Porter watches from the sidelines.

Once again, the Raiders couldn't put an opponent away after leading at the half. Four interceptions by two quarterbacks, LaMont Jordan standing there looking at the ball after he dropped a lateral pass and allowing a defender to pick it up and score, a blocked punt, and a coaching staff that couldn't gameplan for the local Pop Warner team - that's the Oakland Raiders in 2006.

And Jerry Porter watches from the sidelines.

I've already taken a larger interest in college football this year as a way to scout who the Raiders should pick with their number one choice in the draft next year. Yes, it's that bad.

And Jerry Porter watches from the sidelines.

Okay, so go ahead and gloat Niner fans. You deserve it. I can dish it out and I can take it.

As one ESPN writer put it, "...these bragging rights aren't worth much. The teams are at perhaps the lowest collective point in their histories, with three straight losing seasons apiece."

Perhaps I should have called this post Who's the Best Loser by the Bay?

One Perspective

Perspective: 1: a way of regarding situations or topics etc.; 2: the appearance of things relative to one another as determined by their distance from the viewer [WordNet]

One Perspective: Leading 21 to 10 at the half of a football game, victory is virtually a lock. Play conservative ball in the second half and guard the lead. Fans are free to leave the stadium and beat the inevitable post-game gridlock. Another Perspective: Leading 21 to 10 at the half of a football game could lead to overconfidence or lack of commitment and open the door to ultimate failure in the second half. Just ask the Raiders.

On one of my recent football posts, a friend noted that his comments were possibly, "...tainted with a little frustration at the waste of time and energy put into such distractions while people are dying without knowing Jesus by the second." That's one perspective - and an interesting one.

I don't agree with this guilt-laden assessment (my perspective). People die without knowing Jesus while I work, while I spend time with my family, while I eat, and while I sleep. They even die without knowing Him while I study His Word, while I teach, while I preach, and even while I spend time in the mission field.

The problem is that I don't save anybody. Nobody gets to the Father through me or my actions. It happens in His timing and at the point of His choosing. In John 14:6, Jesus advises us, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

It's up to me to establish my relationship with Christ and follow His will. If He wants me to teach and preach, then count me in. If it's His will to use me to reach out to a non-believer, then I'm to follow His call and in the manner He chooses.

One Perspective: I should never rest and sacrifice everything until every soul on earth is saved. Another Perspective: It's feeding our own vanity that makes us think we can do more than His will in saving the lost.

In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus states, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Could it be that God uses sports venues such as football to give us rest? It's an interesting thought. He gave us our competitive nature. Even if you don't believe He created football, He did create football players (and fans). There must be a reason for it.

Officials Announce Football Season is Cancelled

Bobby Kielty of the Oakland A's is congratulated by his team after belting a grand slam. The A's are leading their division by 6 and a half games.

In an unprecedented move, National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell announced today that the remainder of the season is cancelled.

"It's simply too boring," Goodell stated in a whirlwind press conference. "We've decided that we can't compete with Major League Baseball. We give up."

Goodell's decision comes during a baseball season that finds the Oakland Athletics on top of the American League West and cruising into the playoffs. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants and Barry (I thought it was Ben Gay) Bonds seem bent on tanking their season as they find themselves 4 and a half games off the division lead behind the Padres and the Dodgers.

"Both of these things the fans find exciting," Goodell went on to say. "Who wants to see teams like the New Orleans Saints winning? It's just not fresh. It's just not exciting. We've exploited Katrina for all it's worth already."

So, there you have it football fans, football season is cancelled. So, turn to baseball instead. Or, there's always college football. But, this season is done (pay no attention to the fake games they show on TV. They're as real as the shots of our astronauts on the moon.).

Good grief!! Would someone please block??

Okay, so the Raiders tried a new blocking scheme; which is to say no blocking at all. I'm not sure what the strategy was behind that decision, but I hope Coach Shell remembers he should include some offensive linemen in his game planning.

Nine sacks in one game!! Hello!! Coach Shell!! Do you get it?

You would think that after, say, maybe the first four sacks you would make some adjustments! Instead of continuing with a five or seven step drop, how about using the shotgun or some quick slants? Please tell me we have other plays in the playbook. We do, don't we?

Maybe this is what we deserve for hiring an offensive coordinator who's been out of the league for 12 years. You think this might be why nobody else hired him? Maybe? Ya think?

Oh well, after the Raiders' first regular season game, it looks like it could be a long season. Oh, Joy! And we have to play the Chargers again in San Diego. Oh, how I look forward to that! I'm sure LaDainian Tomlinson and Shawne Merriman are!

You know, if the Raiders' season doesn't pick up, I'm going to have to go back to posting about church strategies and ideological debates. I have to have a way to release my frustration!

It sure was a lot more fun busting on other peoples' teams in the preseason! At least we beat the 49ers (not saying much).

Okay, take your best shots! I'm still a fan!

Ode To My Gall Bladder

Stupid gall bladder! You've got some gall!

Ten hours I spent in the hospital the other day because of you! And now, as I try to enjoy a little vacation time with my family, you remind me again that you're still with me.

But not for long, you worthless organ! Soon, the surgeon will cut you out and you'll be gone from my life for good. So long, sucker! Hasta la vista, baby!

Perhaps God created you inside me to teach me a lesson. I've been praying intensely during the pain. He is with me. And He will take my pain away!

And, as for you, ugliest of uglies. I will laugh as you are flushed away - gone forever. Thanks for playing.