The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat

Some of you who are my age or older probably grew up watching "The Wide World of Sports". The show was on ABC and was hosted by Jim McKay. Last week Jim McKay died. He was one of he most famous sports announcers of all time. On his 70's and 80's television show, The Wide World of Sports, he began every show with the famous line, "The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat".

People love watching sports because they feel like they are vicariously winning through the athletes. The human heart enjoys rooting for a team and participating in their victory. Unfortunately, these "victories" are all vanity.

Last night the Boston Celtics one the NBA championship, their 17th Championship. Kevin Garnett one his first. This past weekend Tiger Woods won the U.S. Open for his 14th major championship. The New York Giants won the Super Bowl this year and the Boston Red Sox won the World Series. But, in a few months, someone else will win the Super Bowl. Another team will win the World Series. They will all hoist the same trophies and say the same things. But the thrill only lasts for a short time. It will eventually pass away.

But in Christ, we hope to receive a crown from our eternal King. We seek a reward that will not rot or rust. We desire an affirmation from the judge that sees all performance, never misses any effort and knows our motives, the true and holy judge with eyes of fire. We await a true and holy king that we will worship, serve and enjoy forever. Lord, come soon.