Years ago when working for Mercedes Benz I had Burt Grossman as a
customer. Former All Pro and still conspicuous by his mere presence, he had
just retired, still young and crazy, but refused to go to the games any more,
the Chargers stunk. Pick your own decade.....but he had season tickets on the
50 yard line, row 13, right behind the Chargers bench, and the seats were
fantastic. He offered them to me many times, and when I finally accepted his
offer, we went. Best seats ever, and sitting with the Seau family, we got a lot
of insight into the game, at least from a Charger family perspective. It was
around 2000, and the revolving door of coaches was common, and we got an earful
rather than the editorial stand of the paper. Both were right, both opined to a
certain extent, but we got it first hand, not editorialized, at least not too
much. But we also got to see and hear the conversations on the bench, could see
the faces in the helmets on the field, and enjoyed an entertaining afternoon of
football, note I didn’t say Charger football. But we got to see the game from a
totally different perspective, I wondered what ever happened to Burt....
As Christians many times we are content to just sit on the sidelines, aka
church, or even just watch on TV, or pod cast. Missing out on all the action
and interaction going on within the game, then criticizing the reports of it
afterwards. With little or no idea of what is going on, in between choosing
arbitrary scripture to support our stance. Never a physical presence, they
watch instead of participate, after all, you might get your Bible cover
wrinkled, your feelings hurt, or find out how easy it is to be a Christian when
never tested. Never seeing the side of Jesus so many see everyday in their
daily struggles. Safe and anonymous in the stands, out of touch and out of
sight. Except for God’s....
They talk of heaven as if it is a place to view like a game, not being part
of the action. Their hope of glory is all things on earth but later in heaven
and much nicer. Still in the neighborhood, just not neighborly. Believing the
glory of our God in heaven will be revealed to us, missing out it will be
revealed in us. Like watching the Chargers, they sit and observe, thinking in
heaven will be like it was on earth, yet Jesus promises us on earth as it is in
heaven. It will not be like opening night at the theater, or even back stage
passes to the concert. We will be involved, part of the heavenly action, seeing
up close and personal the glory of God, that surpasses anything we think it may
be. Indescribable, no words, sounds, or imagination can come close to what it
will be like. When I was shown a glimpse, the only way to describe it is “I
want to go back.” But for now, wherever Jesus has me, I know he is present, on
earth as it is in heaven. Christianity is not a spectator sport, we are in the
game, and in it to win, and we do at the end. But in between, the game goes on,
along with the battles, and with Jesus with us. His spirit guiding and
comforting, we are in the huddle, at the line of scrimmage, and in the clubhouse
afterwards. While the others file out with the crowd, we taste the
victory...but you have to be in the game, not just part of the team. We will
and are part of the glory of God!
Paul reminds us of the momentary light afflictions of everyday life, but
how they in no way compare to the glory that awaits us. Christians will suffer,
you signed up for it when saved, the battles will be tough, you may not always
win, but you will never be defeated. We can endure the suffering and triumph in
it knowing what lies ahead for us. Glory unspeakable, and also available now.
On earth as it is in heaven, not a seat on the 50, not even a seat on the bench,
but in the game and actively participating. Experiencing all the things the
Bible tells about. Without the pulpit to hide behind, or excuses to fall back
on. You will be held accountable for your actions...or lack of them. Paul saw,
knew, experienced, and wants us to know that heaven awaits those that believe.
Jesus wants us to know we don’t have to wait to celebrate. He left us his
spirit, calling to us to get in the game, to see Jesus in action now in the
fallen world. There will be time to celebrate the victory later, for now the
two minute warning has been sounded. How you will last in the last two minutes
will show much of where Jesus is in your life. Believe me, the view from the
field is more exciting than the one from the stands. Just a view from one who
played the game, and still plays it today. Being in the game will always be the
best seat in the house....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com