The following devotion was shared by my friend, Steve Sellers, on Thursday night. I believe it is exactly what we need to hear... Thanks Steve!I just finished watching the University of Pittsburgh defeat Xavier University, and now I’m watching Duke play Villanova University. And rest assured I’ll watch Carolina play Gonzaga tomorrow night. I really enjoy March Madness. No…I looooooove March Madness! Every year I get excited about the NCAA College Basketball Tournament. I love to watch it. I love to talk about it. I love to read about. Did I say that I loooooooove it??!! Can you tell I get giddy about it?
This is the only sports event, and I love most sports events, that I will watch any game that is being played. I think this is about as close as one can get to pure, competitive sports. And the “pure” part is getting rarer each year.
I love it so much I can recall the 1990 tournament victory by … hmmmm. OK, how about the 2002 victory by … I’m not sure. Well, there’s always the 1995 victory by … I have no clue. So, I don’t really recall who wins each year, but I truly love the tournament. (Actually, the only year I easily recall the winner was in 1985 when Villanova won the tournament. My wife won the bracket pool we held at college. Being the sweetheart she is, she took her winnings and purchased a gift basket for all the guys in the house where I lived that Senior year.)
Isn’t it amazing that we get so excited about certain things … temporal things? Maybe college basketball isn’t your passion, but I bet there is something in life that gets you really excited, possibly obsessed. Something you just cannot wait to tell others about. Something that gets you so excited you seek out people with the same interest. Something that gets you upset when you are unable to enjoy it.
So, why is it we cannot seem to sustain that level of genuine excitement about our faith? Why do we seem intent on keeping Jesus Christ and our salvation the best kept secret around? It’s almost as if we are practicing to be undercover disciples for Christ. Not only is that an oxymoron, but I can’t imagine God needing anything less than enthusiastic disciples. If anything He would want us to rejoice in our faith.
The wise men surely were excited when they saw the star of Bethlehem. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” (Matthew 2:10; New American Standard Bible)
Mary couldn’t contain herself when the baby Jesus leapt in her womb. “And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” (Luke 1:46-47; New International Version)
And can you imagine how excited Paul was when he said, “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!” (Philippians 4:4-5; The Message Bible) Paul wasn’t rejoicing in his circumstances, since many of his circumstances were difficult. He was rejoicing in the unchanging, untouchable relationship to the sovereign Lord!
So, get excited about your basketball team, or whatever your earthly passion may be. But rejoice in the Lord. Give Him praise, honor and glory. I’m going to be excited about March Madness. I’m also going to try and get at least as excited about what Jesus has done, is doing, and will do for me!!!
Go Team!
Steve
