I realize everyone who reads this blog is not a Cleveland Cavalier fan but unless you are from another planet you know what has happened with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. I have found it fascinating for a long time how advertisers have made such a conscious effort to cast LeBron in a messianic role. From the 50 foot billboard with his arms outstretched as if on a cross to the black "Witness" t-shirts the message has been clear. LeBron James would bring sports salvation to a city that so desperately longed for redemption. I just heard a Sportscaster say that LeBron has crushed the collective Cleveland soul. Well, LeBron decided to go to Miami in pursuit of his own agenda. His explanation kept going back to the same theme. "I just need to do what makes me happy." Not exactly a messianic tone. It has me thinking of what a wonderful Savior we actually have. Imagine If Jesus ever held a news conference to tell the world that he was just going to do what made him happy. Last night reminded me how rare a Messiah really is. Let's be honest. You are not one and nor am I. We are all much more like LeBron than we have ever wanted to admit. The good news is that is no surprise to the real Messiah. He knew all along what we were really like and yet he went ahead and sacrificed for us. Not just his chance at a championship, this One sacrificed everything. And we are witnesses.
Friday, July 9, 2010
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10 comments:
Boy, you hit the proverbial nail on the head, with this message!! Thanks for delivering such a biblically clear perspective and for reminding us that the ground is level at the foot of the cross.
It has bothered me over the last few years, how LBJ has been declared a "King". I never worshipped him. I think he is a great basketball player. He is just a man. People need to keep this in perspective.
Nice job, Pastor Joe! Very well said.
Just another reason to NOT get all wrapped up in any professional sports, period. Glad he's not, nor never was MY king. (I am a daughter of the real one!)
The Saga of LeBron James only points further to the demise of a once great country that was founded on God and biblical priciples and now is mired in Idol worship, laziness, addictions of all kinds and an extreme lack of Spiritual awareness never brfore seen in America.
It appears that the owner of the team, who certainly benefitted the most from Lebron's abilities, most definitely helped create the messianic mindset of Lebron and his "Team". For three years Lebron had talked about wantintg to win. But when the free agency that everyone knew was coming finally came and Lebron left, the owner wrote a scathing letter to cast Lebron as the villian. His letter said more about him than Lebron. People sometimes leave HCC because they desire a different worship experience. Pastor has said to "...leave if you're not happy here and find a church you can be happy at..."(paraphrasing). The Lord knows their hearts. But no one at HCC is messianic. We know that.
Lebron mentioned "the Man Upstairs" a couple times. Never heard him refer to God in any way before. That is a beginning.
First, Lebron James is also a child of God. He did not cast himself as "The Messiah" because he knows better. Advertisers and many others have made money off this man, N.E. Ohio got its piece of the pie, ticket buyers have been royally entertained. Like each of us, Lebron answers to God only. After honoring his contract and doing his job well, he was free to choose, and made a difficult decision (obvious on Thursday night). There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to win, succeed, reach the pinnacle of one's career. Gilbert's letter and the so-called "fans" have been unchristian and unfair. (Some of us at HCC know that Gilbert will reap what he has sown.) I am glad this young man has taken his skills and talent elsewhere because N.E. Ohio does not deserve him. He has my respect as a basketball player and is in my prayers. I hope that the body of Christ will pray for, rather than vilify, Lebron James and each other-for God sake!
Great thoughts, Joe!
hey...anon....just a black and white issue, huh? lol
"Anonymous said...
hey...anon....just a black and white issue, huh? lol"
Not sure what this post means. Did not see race mentioned in any of the 9 comments.
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