“I heard a sound like massed choirs in Heaven singing, “Hallelujah! The salvation and glory and power are God’s—his judgments true, his judgments just. (Revelation 19:1-2a MSG)
I had never gone to a March Madness basketball game in my 72 years of life. But Wednesday I accepted an invitation to attend a Thursday night game as a guest. It was a very, late game, starting at about 10:00 p.m. (Note for your future: “Late” gets earlier with age. Yet remember this: Aging is a blessing!) I drove to meet my invitee downtown. As a side note, there are two things that should scare folks that just came to mind. The first thing should scare anybody or everybody, including believers and unbelievers, but the second thing should evoke fright or an urgency to get right with God in the minds of the latter. The first thing that should scare anybody or everybody is me driving on a rainy night, on a black top road filled with seasonal potholes, and facing a strong wind! If all those elements mentioned are not present, still be scared that if I’m driving at night. How scared? You can easily answer that question by picturing me saying, “Where are the lanes?” The second thing, something that should catch the attention of unbelievers, is that there is a hell to face if they have still not opted for the heavenly alternative. Okay, as far as the two-part side note goes, both are realities, and I’m done describing them. Let’s get back to the story!
It was the regional championship game, and the winner would go to the Final Four. As we entered the building, it was quick to note that 80% of the fans were supporting the team wearing blue and gold. Whether they were officially designated as the home team, that I don’t know. But I gave then than that label because of sheer numbers. These home crowd fans were hyped up, hollering, and in happy spirits as they hurriedly entered the stands. Often you would hear people supporting the home team in one group, having noticed another home team group, approach them and with very loud, shouting voices. The approaching group, equally as enthusiastic and excited, would engage, seemingly automatically, in shouting the same words in response as if pre-rehearsed. Both home team groups shared their sentiments of joy, and serious support of their school! You could ascertain that they were all thankful to be there. As we were seated, social distanced as good as it can get, the noise around the arena continued throughout the game. It only ended momentarily when the opposing team won the game. As we exited the stadium, the camaraderie continued, and even though disappointed their behavior was very commendable.
Walking in the rain to the car lot that usually cost $5, but was inflated to $30, the home crowd experience reminded me, being God conscious again, of a great multitude rejoicing in heaven, as described by John in the Book of Revelation. John also describes a scene of those gathered around the throne worshipping God on the throne. All this is happening in heaven. And since we are just sojourners here on earth and heaven is our home, I will call those described by John as part of the “home team” and they were cheering on the saints who will rejoice as well when they enter heaven at the completion of their journey. The “home team” in heaven was crying out in one accord. They were obviously thankful to be there.
Four things stood out for me; things that are quite different from my March Madness experience. (1) The “home team’s” action assures us of victory. (2) There is no reason for us to be disappointed about the fact that our game in life had some weakness. We have had some failings and performed at a disappointing level. But remember what we say, “In Christ we may have failings, but we are not failures.” The Lord Jesus has us covered. Yet still do the best you can to please the Lord here, and even when we join the “home team” crow there! (3) The “home team’s” behavior in heaven was not only commendable, but it can be characterized as unquestionably reverent. (4) Finally, what stood out for me, is while there is a hell, there is a heaven, a place for all believers; a place for the universal church to celebrate the victory and to shout out with loud voices too! Be confident of your eternal destiny my friend! Be glad about that! We are not headed to the finals, but a final place where we shall live in sweet peace for an eternity. Don’t wait, start practicing by rejoicing about that right now on this Saturday morning! No need to wait! Be blessed!
“Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters, and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.’” (Revelation 19:6 NASB)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King