With the Babylonians on the verge of destroying Jerusalem, the prophet Jeremiah writes …
Lord, you always give me justice when I bring a case before you. So let me bring you this complaint: Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why are evil people so happy? (Jeremiah 12:1, NLT)
The Ohio State Buckeyes have lost to Michigan three seasons in a row, and now, this year, That Team Up North has won the College Football Playoff National Championship.
I realize that Michigan isn’t as bad as the Babylonians (just barely) but their fans are as rabid a bunch as any people group found in the Old Testament. Listen to what Job says about his enemies, and you will quickly see the parallels to Michigan fans.
Why do the wicked prosper … they relax and mock the Buckeyes in their homes, and God does not punish them … their bulls never fail to breed … they let their children frisk about like lambs … they skip and dance … they celebrate to the sound of rock music … when will the light of their victory be extinguished? (Job 21:7-16, OGUV [Old Guy Upset Version]).
My wife and I were traveling during the worst playoff game in history, and while sitting in an airport lounge, my wife said, “Why is everyone looking at their mobile devices?” My wife plays Pokémon constantly, and for her to notice heavy mobile device usage reveals the degradation of our land and culture.
I replied to her, “The game is on.” She then asks, “What game?” Oh, that I could be innocent and unaware like my wife!
I know that I’m ranting a bit in this Interruption.
I realize that people read this blog from all over the world, and they have no idea about The Ohio State University, That Team Up North, and their rivalry. They might even think “soccer” when I mention “football.”
And I admit that the last two games the Buckeyes played this year looked like they showed up to play soccer rather than football.
When we experience defeat in our lives, we question whether God answers our prayers.
I’m a man of constant requests, praying in the Spirit, a seasoned intercessor with journals and prayer lists, and years of practice. I believe that whatever we ask in the name of Jesus will be given to us.
But prayer warriors know that sometimes we must wait. I think three years now and going into a fourth year before another “The Game” should suffice for developing patience!
In the meantime, this year with That Team Up North and their fans, I will get practice with such verses as …
If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court (Matthew 6:22, NLT).
Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves (Matthew 7:15, NLT).
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God (Romans 12:19, NLT).
If you are upset with this blog, please understand the words hyperbole, parody, and puffery. And Michigan fans — I ask forgiveness for making you Google a few words for definitions.
Well, that’s it. My prayer for the next year is based on Romans 8:18 …
What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.
My prediction for 2024: The Buckeyes – 76, That Team Up North – 0!
I will celebrate then!