Very Enthusiastic Fans!

   Last week’s “Good News!” commentary was about three very enthusiastic people…a woman who had high recommendations about a Greek restaurant; a father lauding his only daughter; and a young pastor encouraging his congregation to follow Jesus. All three demonstrated “intense or eager interest,” “zeal,” or “fervor,” matching the dictionary definition of enthusiasm.

    After those encounters, I had another experience with enthusiastic people, this time more than 110,000 of them all together in one place! It was a football game at the “Big House” in Ann Arbor where teams from the University of Michigan and the Air Force Academy were playing.

   Our daughter Shanda and son-in-law Chris took Al and me to the game early on a Saturday morning so that there would be time to” tailgate” beforehand. People adorned in Michigan Wolverine attire were already congregating under canopies on the golf course adjacent to the stadium. Excitement was in the air! Chris grilled sausages for breakfast sandwiches, and the four of us enjoyed a picnic while people-watching and listening to music coming from all directions.

   By the time we finished eating brunch, throngs of people had begun walking from the golf course over to the stadium. Because of the long lines at the gates, both teams had already come onto the field by the time we were seated. Al had wanted to see the Michigan players running underneath a long banner and jumping up to touch it, a tradition that he remembered from his days as a student there. Four Air Force jets sped by overhead, the National anthem was sung and then it was time for the kick-off.

   The ‘Big House’ was packed, breaking a record for the most people in attendance at a college football game that day. Except for one small section of blue and white, the dominant colors were yellow (maize) and blue. And the noise was deafening, not only from the crowd but also from popular music piped in through the loudspeakers. Whenever the Air Force team had possession of the ball, the words “MAKE NOISE” appeared on the large screens positioned at each end of the field!

    “Why make more noise?” I asked Shanda, who was sitting next to me. “It’s noisy enough. They should ask the people to be quiet!” She laughed and informed me that it was a strategy so that the players wouldn’t be able to hear the signals and commands given down on the field. Michigan fans were happy to comply, making it even louder.

   At various interludes, familiar cheers or songs would go around the stadium, with fans of all ages doing the same dance moves and singing along. There certainly was a sense of unity and infectious excitement.  If cheering had been added to the score, Michigan would have won by 100 points! However, the final score was still 29-13, much to the delight of the U of M fans.      

   At the end of the game, I was tired and drained, but very impressed by the enthusiasm demonstrated that day! Wow! What would happen if followers of Jesus were as ardent as those fans? What kind of impact would we have on the world, if we were as united, dedicated and excited about our faith?

   Dear Father, please stir our hearts with new love for Jesus. Help us to be committed to one another, meeting together often for worship, study and prayer. Unite us, and make us enthusiastic “fans,” showing Your love to the world. In His name, Amen.

   “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV

   “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11-12 NIV