“I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one…” John 17: 21 (NLT)

Fall has arrived, meaning football season reigns, All across the U.S. family rooms, sports bars, and stadiums rock and roar with victory chants, loyal cheers, and triumphant shouts. Nothing is quite like a sports stadium full of excited fans where everyone comes together to cheer the home team to victory.
Most Saturdays my husband and I can be found right in the middle of the spectator storm! Recently, while sitting in the stands, God invited me to witness the game from His point of view. That’s right…. at a football game God showed me a glimpse of His desire for humanity.
For two consecutive seasons our tickets have been located in the end zone – not a bad place if you are high and lifted up, sitting inside! From that vantage point I watched as over-the-top pomp and circumstance ushered in our team. Thirty minutes before kickoff, the caged and snorting mascot arrived, led by a high-stepping band and adoring cheerleaders. The drums and trumpets might as well have announced the arrival of a supreme world leader the way the fans went crazy while a mere pig rolled around the track! When the entire band marched onto the field, the crowd roared, stood, and, all in one accord, sang the national anthem and our school song. Then, in no time, a perfect human A-shaped runway took shape complete with flying flags, banners, pom poms, glitz and glitter. Just when I thought the noise had climaxed, the entire stadium began to rock and thump. The frenzy gone wild has to be experienced in order to understand how out-of-control 75,000 men, women and children behave seconds before their team runs out on the field.
For the next two hours scores of people worked together to win a game. From ushers to vendors, water boys to coaches and every fan - all united for one common cause – to win. And win we did!
While I sat in my comfy seat God turned my thoughts heavenward. In the midst of fan frenzy I began to reflect on His position – high and lifted up, sitting in His throne watching the game of life we all play. From my position in The Hog Heaven Club– yup that is the name of the club house in the Razorback Stadium - I understood how He delights in His children when they unite for one cause.
I left the game that Saturday with a new goal – work at all costs to unite with my fellow Christian brothers and sisters to delight my Father. I am without excuse because He has given me a clear illustration as to how I am to live. He has called me to cheer on those who fight life’s battles. He has called me to march beside those whose goal is godly victory. He has called me to encourage those who struggle. Above all else, He has called me, and you, to experience such perfect unity that the world would know that God sent Jesus to show His love for all.
All together now – Go! Fight! Win!
Father, You stop at nothing when You want to teach us life’s lessons. I stand amazed that You would chose to reach me in the midst of a loud and crazy football stadium. I want to play life’s game well, pleasing You in all I do. It is an honor to be part of Your team, but I need Your strength and encouragement to participate consistently. I ask for Your wisdom to play well, in Jesus Name, Amen.

***

Related Resources:

From the Pound to the Palace by Van Walton
Welcome to Community: Experiencing Life the Way God Intended by Brian T. Anderson and Glynnis WhitwerSponsor a child through Compassion International
Application Steps:Read the following verses that give insight into God’s will for our lives:
John 17, Matthew 18:10-14, 21-35, 20:25-28, Luke 10:25- 37, I Thessalonians 5:12-13, James 1:27
Reflections:Do I live to please myself, others, or God?
How can my life reflect that of a spiritual team player?

Power Verses:

Galatians 5:14-15, “For the whole law can be summed up in this one command, ‘Love you neighbor as yourself.’ But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.” (NLT)
Colossians 3:1-2, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set you sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven…” (NLT)