Holy Applause!

Many of you are aware that the baseball season has begun. Teams will be vying for a spot in the World's Series in this somewhat modified and shortened season. Additionally basketball players are gearing up in "the bubble" down at Disney in Florida to commence their season. Some teams including our own Boston Celtics have already begun engaging in scrimmage games with other teams. The Boston Bruins hockey team is about to begin their season in Canada. Finally, the NFL has submitted their plans to protect players and their families during the corona virus pandemic. The Patriots are scheduled to start their training camp on time. One thing that all of these sports teams share in common is they will be playing without fans in the stadiums. The corona virus has hindered the ability of people to actively support their teams in person. The various leagues have tried to enhance the experience for the players through piped in crowd noise as well as cardboard cut outs in the stands. The option has even been offered to fans to take a picture and purchase a cardboard cut out which can be placed in the seat of a particular stadium. We as human beings thrive on the support and accolades of others. Players on the various sports teams will be quick to acknowledge that a crowd of fans shouting and clapping energizes them to perform at the highest level. What happens when there is no longer any crowd noise? The game can still be played but there is a sense of loss and diminished level of energy.

 

FOREVER FANS

Followers of Christ are forever receiving encouragement as they walk through the challenges of this life. No matter what may take place, there is a "heavenly crowd of fans" cheering us on. We read in the book of Hebrews "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV)

 ETERNAL VICTORY

Team players have their eyes fixed on accomplishing the ultimate goal of being crowned "the best" in their sport. After the victory of winning the ultimate prize, players will often comment that they won the trophy for their fans with whom they share the prize. A celebratory parade in a major city often follows with ongoing cheers and applause. The lack of an active fan base in the stands and the cancellation of victory parades may diminish the joy in celebrating the win. However, when our eyes are fixed on Jesus and the ultimate prize of sharing eternity with Him, it encourages us to keep persevering in this life. Our "fan base" are all the saints that have gone before us. Friends, family, and other brothers and sisters who have finished the race are now participating in the never ending celebration of glory to God for what Jesus has done through His sacrifice on the cross. So I encourage you as the writer of Hebrews states, not "to grow weary or lose heart" when life challenges us and others oppose us for our faithfulness to the Lord. We have an ongoing "holy applause" that resonates in heaven which will never be silenced by anyone or anything!

Thanks be to God!

Pastor Sheree