For countless millions in our nation, sports has become their object of worship. Following favorite teams is a religion. On Super Bowl Sunday is a high holy day. I found this paperweight while in Chicago this week. I bought because it is such a perfect description of our post-Christian culture.
WITHOUT SPORTS WEEKENDS WOULD JUST BE WEEKDAYS.
Doesn't that say it all? What ever happened to observing the 4th commandment where the Lord's Day defines rhythm of our week. Where the worship of a holy God is the highlight of our weekend and taking a break from our routines includes fellowship, rest, reading and family. Where weekends weren't made for Michelob but for reflecting on God's faithfulness in the past and His promises for the future.
It wasn't all that long ago that blue laws caused the wheels of industry and the commercial establishments of communities to grind to a halt on Sundays. It was easier to remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy.
There is a part of me that envies the faithful observance of the orthodox Jews who live in my neighborhood. Those who change their clothes and their routines from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday in order to contemplate the holiness of a God. Even their children walk as far as two miles to synagogue regardless of the weather.
In these familiar words from 1 Corinthians, Paul is warning the church in Corinth not to become blind to the holiness of God or to the purchase price of salvation.
Paul says we should examine ourselves so that they do not thoughtlessly receive the Lord's Supper. It is not a common meal. It is not a ritual or a routine or just a religious game of cups and crackers. We should honestly acknowledge our tendency to idolize objects of worship that take our primary focus off of God.
Sports can be such an object of worship. But so can your job, your children, your reputation, your addiction to prescription drugs no one knows about, your dependency on alcohol you've keep hidden. Is your beautiful home something that keeps God from the focus He is due? What about your retirement portfolio, your vacation cottage, your ability to travel, your penchant for physical fitness, your preoccupation with politics, your favorite television program. For some American Idol may actually be an idol that robs God of time with Him.
Now there's nothing wrong with loving pro football or coaching it. We are having a Super Bowl party this afternoon and I hope you will join us for fun, fellowship as well as football. During halftime we'll be showing an interview I did with Mike Holmgren about the superficiality of worshiping sports. I hope you will join us at Covenant Shores.
The problem comes when the giants in our lives cause us to cower and if we aren't prepared, they will conquer us and claim us as unwilling slaves to their demands.
We need to examine ourselves and our tendency to minimize God and maximize what pleases us. Paul was convinced that many of the Christians in Corinth had become sick or even died as a result of playing church.
On this Sunday when the attention is on the Valley of the Sun and patriots and giants, let me try to illustrate in the few minutes we have left what I believe God desires from us on this Super Bowl Sunday.
Instead of the Valley of the Sun in Glendale, Arizona, let me take you to the Valley of Elah in ancient Israel. It's the story of a teenage harp-playing sheep-herder who illustrates a determination to honor his God no matter what the odds. The story is found in 1 Samuel 17.
The Israelites and the Philistines were engaged in a sudden-death winner-take-all match up. The Philistines had a 9 foot giant by the name of Goliath stood on the line of scrimmage and taunted the Israelites and mocked their God. He called to the sidelines and begged the Israelites to send out someone who would line up against him. No one would.
As you may recall, David had been sent by his father to carry food supplies to his brothers who were part of Israel's volunteer army. As he approached the war zone, he learned about Israel's dilemma.
(Read 1 Samuel 17:20-26.)
Webster's Dictionary defines a patriot as "one who loves his or her country and supports its authority and interests."
David, was a patriot. He was concerned for God's glory. The Lord's reputation mattered more to him than anything else. What was holy was being drug through the dirt by the giant's degrading words.
But David wasn't perfect.
The New England Patriots are 18-0 this season. Some call them perfect. But look at the unethical practices of their coach. Look at the off-the-field antics of their star quarterback. Far from perfect.
But before we go throwing stones, take a look in the mirror. You have some issues in your life that stain your reputation. So do I. We all do. David did.
Look at the one who killed a giant with a slingshot. He wasn't perfect either. Long before he cheated on his wife and was an accomplice in the death of an innocent man, David struggled with sin.
(Read 1 Samuel 17:28-29.)
David's brothers knew he was the baby of the family. Probably a spoiled last-born accustomed to getting his own way. Prideful, prone to egotism. We also know David struggled his whole life with deceit.
But God uses less-than-perfect patriots. Those who examine their hearts and confess their need of a Savior.
David, despite his imperfection, was determined to topple anything that wrongfully claimed God's throne. With simple faith he rubbed the giant's face in Astro turf.
(Read 1 Samuel 17:40-50.)
As you come to the [communion] table this morning, acknowledge the giants in your life. Confess your tendency to give into them. But mostly, recognize anew that Jesus gave his body and his blood to topple your giant.
--Copyright 2008 by Greg Asimakoupoulos, Mercer Island, Washington.
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