I recently went to my first regular season game at historic Lambeau Field. As a life-long Packer fan this was a treat. A beautiful September day with temperatures in the mid 60’s light clouds and 78,000 rabid packer fans and 14 jets fans, 3 confused vikings fans and 1 bears fan made for a great day. Having the packers win the game made the day even better. But this was no ordinary game.
After a fumbled snap on the first play of the game the Jets were off to the races. Racking up the points to a 21-3 lead over the packers late in the 2nd quarter. The game was less then half over when this crowed seems to turn on their beloved Packers. (though disappointed, this author was quoted saying “It’s only the second quarter, and these are the packers!”)
I was somewhat stunned at the reaction of the crowd. several fans seated directly behind me left Lambeau, never to return. (thanks by the way, we could spread-out a little more and enjoyed that!) These fans, many of whom had paid hundreds of dollars to get into the game, wearing hundreds of dollars worth of team jerseys and cheese, were ranting at their team. As if expecting nothing short of perfection from a group of athletes who collectively have a long history of personal failures.
“Your playing against a college offence and this is the best you can do?”, “would it kill you to run the ball?”, “Why would you ever choose to run the ball?”, “I’ve seen better football at a high school game.”…and these are just a few of the comments I can repeat.(this is a family blog)
This all started to turn around in the final 2 minutes of the first half as the Packers launched a very “packer-like” comeback. The mood of the fans quickly changed and they were soon cheering for their team once again. “Now that’s the way we play football!”, “Oh yea bring it on.”, “Go – Pack – Go!”, Even the “wave” started around the stadium.
What changed? The players on the field were the same, the weather had not changed, they were not distributing free food or beverage, So what changed? The fans were getting what they wanted. I believe today there are way to many “fan’s” of Jesus and His Church and not enough “followers” or “disciples.” Many time I fall into a fan mentality with an attitude of “What have you done for me lately?” To be a follower of Christ genuinely calls us to suffer with Him at time, that we might share in his glory!
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:17
Sometimes God does not do what I want Him to, sometimes he disciplines me, and challenges me to simple obedience. AND if you read the end of the book (Revelation) – We Win! Christ and his Church 1,000,000 – Satan 0.
Trust when I say, sitting with your family on a beautiful September day in Green Bay, even when the Pack is not playing well against “the Jets” is not suffering! …now the vikings…well
I’m not done with my Lessons from Lambeau, come back for more lessons… coming soon.