Stay in England any length of time and one of the football teams will reach out and bring you into their fold. Slowly but surely you find yourself identifying with a team, understanding ups and downs, sensing a draw to watch the games, following the analysis in the papers, and even ordering replica of the team’s kit.
It is the latter that puzzles me. How does watching a game or reading an article in a newspaper improve if one is wearing team colors? The process is even more intense if the colors, materials, and script are certified as authentic! It is as if I am out on the pitch encouraging them on. I can almost sense the scene in the locker room, on the team bus, or in the team meetings. The pull of this affiliation is strong, relentless in its own way.
When John saw the new City that Divinity and the Redeemed, you and me, will dwell in, he noted that the “the wall was jasper, the color of Glory, and the City was pure gold, translucent as glass.” (Revelation 21.18) Do you realize that we will be one with God? We will wear the clothes of those God personally redeemed! We are priceless children of God. We will live in a City that wears God’s colors. We, you and I, kids that grew up making mistakes, often turning away from God, can find ourselves in the centre of it all!
There are times like the present where there are so many changes going on with my team that I find it hard to keep up. Chelsea has a new owner who is investing as fast as possible in the best players. I’m not worried; I know the link is strong. In time I will understand. I don’t always understand God’s ways. I often find myself confused when I try to understand what is going on in life. I also take courage because I am affiliated with the one that knows all. In time it will be clear. Until then – faith and courage rule!
