The “King” Leaves Cleveland
11/07/10 12:30
Even if
you’re not a sports fan, you couldn’t get
away from all the news concerning one of the most
sought after basketball stars of our time, Lebron
James. Lebron has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers
for seven years since being recruited right out of
high school; the young man is a “phenom”
and there have been quite a few cities vying for him
to come play with their team next season since he
entered free-agency this year.
His decision to leave Cleveland and play for the Miami Heat next year has left many in Cleveland broken hearted and without much hope for contending for a title next year. Everyone, from the President of the United States to the man on the street hung with quiet desperation last Thursday evening as the question was posed to the young star nicknamed, “The King.” City officials from Dallas, Chicago and New York, all wanted Lebron to come to their city to play and that is not just because of their basketball team; Mr. James brings business, he raises revenues, some estimate close to 100 million.
So, in other words, this 25 year old can change the lives of many folks just by his presence. It is no wonder then, of some of the reactions of the folks who would be affected by his decision. As far as I am concerned, “It’s just basketball man!” Anyway, what struck me was Lebron’s reason for leaving his hometown to go to Miami. After much heartfelt weighing of all factors, he said that he called his mother for her advice. (So, did the decision ultimately come from Lebron, or his mother?) And she told him that he had to do what was best for him.
So there you have it; the decision was made, based on what would be best for Lebron James. I am not faulting the young man and neither am I trying to suggest that his decision was wrong. What I am saying is… this is life, this is how the world lives and breathes. People make decisions all the time that stem from “what’s best for me.” Why is anyone surprised here? And you have to admit, even in the Church we witness this worldly philosophy that oftentimes wreaks havoc among her members.
But this is not what our King wanted! And by the way, He is the only King. In fact, He is the King of kings, so He is Lebron’s King! And this King had to make a decision as well. Does He leave, or does He stay? If He leaves, then, the only way that He goes is via the Cross. Leaving would mean pain and suffering and ultimately, crucifixion! Leaving would mean death and separation from His Holy Father. Staying would mean that He would do things His own way and that would mean death for all of us.
The struggle in this decision was made in Gethsemane and this King asked His Father, not His mother. This King would make the decision that affected not just a few, but all humanity. This King decided to leave. He told His disciples, “It is good for you that I go away.” Jesus based His decision not on self, but rather the will of the Father and the good of others. This is the hope for the entire world and that hope does not disappoint.
As followers of Jesus Christ it behooves each and every one of us to make our decisions in life not just based on self-interest, but for the good of others as well. Though sometimes those decisions may be difficult at the time, they will prove to be eternal joy in the end.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
Think about it,
Pastor Jim
His decision to leave Cleveland and play for the Miami Heat next year has left many in Cleveland broken hearted and without much hope for contending for a title next year. Everyone, from the President of the United States to the man on the street hung with quiet desperation last Thursday evening as the question was posed to the young star nicknamed, “The King.” City officials from Dallas, Chicago and New York, all wanted Lebron to come to their city to play and that is not just because of their basketball team; Mr. James brings business, he raises revenues, some estimate close to 100 million.
So, in other words, this 25 year old can change the lives of many folks just by his presence. It is no wonder then, of some of the reactions of the folks who would be affected by his decision. As far as I am concerned, “It’s just basketball man!” Anyway, what struck me was Lebron’s reason for leaving his hometown to go to Miami. After much heartfelt weighing of all factors, he said that he called his mother for her advice. (So, did the decision ultimately come from Lebron, or his mother?) And she told him that he had to do what was best for him.
So there you have it; the decision was made, based on what would be best for Lebron James. I am not faulting the young man and neither am I trying to suggest that his decision was wrong. What I am saying is… this is life, this is how the world lives and breathes. People make decisions all the time that stem from “what’s best for me.” Why is anyone surprised here? And you have to admit, even in the Church we witness this worldly philosophy that oftentimes wreaks havoc among her members.
But this is not what our King wanted! And by the way, He is the only King. In fact, He is the King of kings, so He is Lebron’s King! And this King had to make a decision as well. Does He leave, or does He stay? If He leaves, then, the only way that He goes is via the Cross. Leaving would mean pain and suffering and ultimately, crucifixion! Leaving would mean death and separation from His Holy Father. Staying would mean that He would do things His own way and that would mean death for all of us.
The struggle in this decision was made in Gethsemane and this King asked His Father, not His mother. This King would make the decision that affected not just a few, but all humanity. This King decided to leave. He told His disciples, “It is good for you that I go away.” Jesus based His decision not on self, but rather the will of the Father and the good of others. This is the hope for the entire world and that hope does not disappoint.
As followers of Jesus Christ it behooves each and every one of us to make our decisions in life not just based on self-interest, but for the good of others as well. Though sometimes those decisions may be difficult at the time, they will prove to be eternal joy in the end.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
Think about it,
Pastor Jim
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