Heroes Wanted

“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”    —Mark 11:9

On a sports note, the Denver Broncos, signed Payton Manning to be their new franchise-saving, championship-winning quarterback. Prior to the press conference announcing the move, the Broncos removed all the posters of their latest hero, Tim Tebow. Tebow was the rookie quarterback whose overtime winning pass defeated our beloved Steelers in the playoffs.

Tebowmania, which had been over the top in Denver, is now moving to New York City as Tebow was traded to the Jets. Tim Tebow, the unashamedly Christian role model introduced us to tebowing. Tebowing is praying on the field on one knee with one hand on his helmet and head bowed. Tim Tebow went from being the darling and hero of the Denver Bronco fans to being a forgotten memory and opponent in a mere couple days. People in general and football fans in particular are tremendously fickle.

Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem riding on the colt of a donkey on Palm Sunday. People recognized Jesus as the miracle worker and preacher from Galilee. They greeted Him as their new hero and hopeful deliverer from Roman oppression, “Hail King Jesus!” But a few days later, some of the same crowd, at the urging of the Jewish religious leaders, cried out, “Crucify Him!” (Mark 15:13) Jesus went from King to criminal in one week.

As we read the Gospels, we find two situations in which Jesus sought escape from the crowds: one, when they wanted to make Him King and the other when they wanted to kill Him before His time. After feeding the 5,000, John records, “Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself” (6:15). Another time after claiming to be God, “At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds” (John 8:59).

Tim Tebow did nothing but good for the Denver Broncos organization, team, and fans. He lived a godly life and led them to the playoffs his rookie year. In a much greater way, Jesus did nothing but good for the Jews and the entire world. Jesus lived a holy life, taught us the truth about our Father in Heaven, and performed miracles blessing the lives of everyone He touched. Yet, in the eyes of the masses, Jesus went from hero to scapegoat over night.

Let us rejoice that God’s love is steadfast and sure. 1 Corinthians 13 describes God’s love for us. “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” (vs. 7-8). The next time you catch yourself doing a flip-flop with your love and attitude, remember Lamentations 3:22-23 rsv, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, Great is thy faithfulness.” Jesus was faithful to the very end, the Cross of Calvary. Praise God! He arose, and we can know and serve a risen Savior!

I pray you will make plans to find a church where you will worship the Lord this Easter season. If you already have a home church, I pray you will dig down deeper and be a person of steadfast character that can be counted on. Be the kind of hero Jesus died and rose for you to be.