I have a love/hate relationship with football. I always look forward to football season and usually have high hopes for my favorite teams. As the season progresses with its ups and downs, I ride the emotional roller coaster along with them. I know it’s only a game and the wins and losses have no eternal consequences, but I guess the sport is in my blood.

My alma mater hasn’t had the best season. After winning their first three games, they lost the next four. My outlook for their future success was less than hopeful, but I still sat down to watch them play on Saturday. It was an unexpected and dominant win. What made the game even more exciting was an interception by a 6’5” 291 pound defensive lineman who then rumbled, bumbled, and stumbled 84 yards to score a touchdown. The crowd went nuts, as did Nancy and I.

Then on Sunday evening, after attending our church’s Fall Festival, I sat on my couch to watch my lifelong favorite NFL team. We’ve had a few down years … okay, to be totally honest it has been over two decades of less-than-stellar performances. With a new coaching staff and a new quarterback, this year has been better, much better. 

After my team gave up a touchdown and two-point conversion and fell behind by three points with only 25 seconds left on the game clock, I told my wife, “I hate this game.” But with only two seconds left in the game, everything changed. After a mad scramble by the quarterback and a “Hail Mary” pass that was tipped and then caught for a touchdown and a dramatic win, I said to my wife with absolute glee, “I love this game.” 

In two consecutive days I got to celebrate dramatic plays and exciting wins, but as I put my head on the pillow last night the Lord brought to mind something from my devotional time. It was something more exciting and unexpected than anything that will ever happen on a football field. 

In Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep being found, Jesus adds this truth – 

“There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)

Here’s the thing. My teams could both lose next week. They could lose every other game this season. The thrill of victory can quickly become the agony of defeat. It is all temporary, and the joy of that moment is nothing in comparison to the eternal joy of seeing a lost sheep becoming found.