I am a huge football fan. This past weekend there were four NFL
playoff games. None of the four ended the way I hoped they would. All but
one of the games went “down to the wire”, thereby increasing the intensity
level. I commented that I was glad that I didn’t care too much about the
outcomes; none of them were “my” team. Still, it’s hard for me to watch a
game without choosing a side.

Sometimes the reason(s) for pulling for a certain team are kind of obscure.
You like the coach or the quarterback. You have fond memories or lived in
the city of one of the teams.

The game of football mirrors the game of life. Sometimes you win,
sometimes you lose. Your heart aches at those post-game interviews which
the players and coaches graciously endure (most of the time). Happy are
they who have wives and families to go home, that matter far more than
what just happened the last three hours.

Even Jesus did not win all the time. Scorned and derided by the very
same ones who claimed to be honoring God. His Father, no less! His Passion
and death on a cross. How is that “winning” (in the eyes and logic of the
world)? Christus en paradox. Only Christ can be both Lamb and Shepherd.
Only Christ can claim victory on the cross of crucifixion.

We can root for the underdog.
We can claim victory even though we must die.
We can embrace God’s unconditional love even though we feel
unlovable

Pastor Art.