The Gospel, Kaepernick and Standing...
In the news recently has been the story of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick who, in protest against police brutality, has refused to stand up for the national anthem at the beginning of his NFL games. While I fervently agree that what he is doing is disrespectful, I also understand that he is protected under his 1st amendment rights. But I didn't come here to talk about Kaepernick. His story just got me thinking of another instance where standing and sitting really struck me.
There is a family at my church who I have seen the last few weeks. This family brings their son (or at least I think he is their son) who is in a wheelchair. I've watched them come in the last few weeks and I love seeing their son as he gets excited for worship! But my favorite part about observing their family's heart for worship is when their son puts his hand into his dad's hand and his dad immediately helps his son up. The son is probably in his late 20's early 30's and is very tall so it is not easy to lift him up out of his chair, however, his dad does it every week! It's awesome to see a young man who's only response is to stand up during the worship of The Lord, even though it is difficult for him and he needs assistance! It's also awesome to see the love of his dad who, although it looks very difficult, understands that his son wants to stand in worship to The Lord and he makes every effort to ensure that his son can do so!
This story reminds me of two things.
The first thing it reminds me of is the love of God for us. God is very much like the father in the above story. He lifts and holds us up when we desperately need him to. In verses 25-26 of the 73rd Psalm, the Psalmist writes:
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on Earth I desire but you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:25-26 (ESV)
This young man at my church has had his flesh fail him; his legs do not function properly. His father becomes his strength for him. In our lives, our flesh will fail us time and time again and just when it looks like it will defeat us, God holds us up and becomes our strength when we can't go on any longer. I'm so thankful for that promise!
The other thing this reminds me of is the story of Stephen in the 7th chapter of the book of Acts. Stephen was accused of blasphemy before the Sanhedrin council and, when given time to defend himself, proceeded to preach the Gospel! Of course, this infuriated the council and they proceeded to stone Stephen to death. Right before Stephen died, he looked up to heaven and saw Jesus STANDING as if to welcome him into eternity! I'm convinced that Jesus will welcome the young man from the story above the same way he welcomed Stephen, by standing and welcoming him into eternity!
Back to Kaepernick. Honestly, I don't care all that much about his protest. All I know is while Kaepernick sits down, there is a child of God out there who will do whatever he can to stand!
I'm sure the following verse is true to the young man who cannot stand on his own:
"Ascribe to The Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship The Lord in the splendor of his holiness." 1 Chronicles 16:29 (NLT)
Until next time friends,
Ryan G
Child of God; Megan's Husband; Amia's Daddy
There is a family at my church who I have seen the last few weeks. This family brings their son (or at least I think he is their son) who is in a wheelchair. I've watched them come in the last few weeks and I love seeing their son as he gets excited for worship! But my favorite part about observing their family's heart for worship is when their son puts his hand into his dad's hand and his dad immediately helps his son up. The son is probably in his late 20's early 30's and is very tall so it is not easy to lift him up out of his chair, however, his dad does it every week! It's awesome to see a young man who's only response is to stand up during the worship of The Lord, even though it is difficult for him and he needs assistance! It's also awesome to see the love of his dad who, although it looks very difficult, understands that his son wants to stand in worship to The Lord and he makes every effort to ensure that his son can do so!
This story reminds me of two things.
The first thing it reminds me of is the love of God for us. God is very much like the father in the above story. He lifts and holds us up when we desperately need him to. In verses 25-26 of the 73rd Psalm, the Psalmist writes:
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on Earth I desire but you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:25-26 (ESV)
This young man at my church has had his flesh fail him; his legs do not function properly. His father becomes his strength for him. In our lives, our flesh will fail us time and time again and just when it looks like it will defeat us, God holds us up and becomes our strength when we can't go on any longer. I'm so thankful for that promise!
The other thing this reminds me of is the story of Stephen in the 7th chapter of the book of Acts. Stephen was accused of blasphemy before the Sanhedrin council and, when given time to defend himself, proceeded to preach the Gospel! Of course, this infuriated the council and they proceeded to stone Stephen to death. Right before Stephen died, he looked up to heaven and saw Jesus STANDING as if to welcome him into eternity! I'm convinced that Jesus will welcome the young man from the story above the same way he welcomed Stephen, by standing and welcoming him into eternity!
Back to Kaepernick. Honestly, I don't care all that much about his protest. All I know is while Kaepernick sits down, there is a child of God out there who will do whatever he can to stand!
I'm sure the following verse is true to the young man who cannot stand on his own:
"Ascribe to The Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship The Lord in the splendor of his holiness." 1 Chronicles 16:29 (NLT)
Until next time friends,
Ryan G
Child of God; Megan's Husband; Amia's Daddy
Great story brother. I too watch that family each Sunday and have my heart filled with pure joy and love for our Father. I also love the way that the father, his wife, and this awesome son of theirs raise their hands together in worship to our Lord. This man, who has been dealt a tuff hand by all accounts, shows up each Sunday to praise the Lord. He is not bitter, he is blessed. We could all learn a lot.
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