It was my hope that the Houston Astros would make it to the World Series and then win it all. Sadly, that didn’t happen. I am here writing a Sabbath Thought to reflect on that outcome.
Although the Houston baseball team did not win, the sun rose and it appears to be a clear, cool day ahead. In other words, life goes on. There will be more sporting events ahead and sometimes my team will win and sometimes lose. But win or lose life goes on.
From a human perspective I’m disappointed. But to take it too seriously indicates a lack of spiritual maturity. I know this because in the past when my favorite team would lose, I was so emotionally invested that it would take some time to get past the loss. Some losses are clearly etched in my mind because of the self-induced trauma of the loss.
What does God think about the Astros loss? I don’t think He cares overmuch. It’s not that God does not enjoy a good game, but God always has the big picture in mind.
The picture God always has in mind is expressed in Hebrews 2:10, “For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” God never deviates from this goal. Is it our goal as well?
It is the goal that was moved forward by the Son of God, Jesus Christ, coming in the flesh and dying for the sins of all mankind. Additionally, it is moved forward every day by Jesus Christ living in us through the Holy Spirit, (Galatians 2:20, I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”)
As human beings we can focus on the temporary (work, games and entertainment) of all kinds. The temporary is unavoidable in this life, but does the temporary we choose to be involved in contribute to that which will become permanent in our lives? We clearly have to make wise choice to pursue eternal life. There is nothing more permanent than eternity.
Hebrews 13:8 tells us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” The Father has the same quality. And it is God’s purpose that we will become like God and Jesus Christ, “the same, yesterday, today, and forever.” God is seeking to establish in those He has called permanence. In other words, He is seeking to establish holy, righteous character in our lives. Character that will always meditate on that which right, good and permanent, will always speak in a way that is permanent and will always act in a way that is permanent.
The World Series is over and we move on to one championship event after another. We can root for our team, but we need to realize that sports and so many other things are temporary. We must never forget that the temporary in whatever form it comes can be a snare to us.
God is well aware of how we can lose sight of what is really important and permanent. That is why He warns us about our priorities.
God points to what is really permanent when He instructs us to keep the Sabbath. The Sabbath points to a coming Kingdom that will be permanent. It will be led by the one who is the same, yesterday, and forever.
Yes, the Astros losing may be disappointing. But what is truly important and permanent is the goal that we must all diligently pursue.
Have a good Sabbath,
Gary Smith
