Matthew 10:7-8

"And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give."

Friday, July 9, 2010

THE SELF CENTERED (KING?) Thoughts on LBJ

I really wanted the Cavaliers to win a title this year, not just because I am a fan, but also for my son who loves basketball and the Cavaliers, and also for my friends who are longtime Cleveland sports fans. I sincerely want them to be able to experience the thrill of following a team that wins it all. I have been fortunate enough to have experienced that thrill many times with my beloved Pittsburgh sports teams. I can remember very clearly sitting 4 rows off the field at Three Rivers Stadium in 1980 as the Pirates received their World Series rings. So, I was extremely disappointed with the Cavs and Lebron James when they fell apart during the Boston series this year. Now with the departure of James, it will take much longer to get back to a championship type level and we know the Browns and Indians have a long way to go, although I do believe the Browns are on the upswing.

In a way, though, I am glad that James is gone. I would always feel a twinge in my stomach whenever he was referred to as "the chosen one," the messiah," or "the king." I hate it when something or someone is thought of or referred to in that way. I have often sincerely prayed for Lebron, but it has nothing to do with basketball or championships. It has to do with his soul and for him to realize that he is not a king and not even close to being worthy of being called a king. At times I have been very concerned for him, because he not only goes right along with this image, but seemingly does everything he can to add to it. There was a king I've read about back in the B.C. days who learned a hard lesson in humility after he exalted himself to a place where he thought he was worthy of worship and praise. Now I'm not saying that the same thing will happen to Lebron; that he will have to start eating grass like the oxen, be wet with dew and start looking like some crazy creature (Daniel 4:33) and I certainly don't wish any harm on him, but I believe one day he will somehow be driven to his knees, humbled and brought to a place of humility. As I read about kings and think about kings throughout history, you can easily tell who was a good king and who was a bad king. I'm afraid that Lebron James would fall in the not so good category. Think about it; he makes the decision that he thinks is best for him, cares only about winning a championship (even one that could be practically hand picked) and has no sense of loyalty. He really did embarrass Cleveland fans, let down his teammates, (have you seen Mo William's twitter comments?) and dump on a city on national television in order to bring more attention and glory to himself. Not a king for the people by any means. Now think about what some of the good kings in history were like. One of the reasons I really enjoy the movie "First Knight" is because of the way that Sean Connery portrays King Arthur as a caring and compassionate king. One of love and loyalty for his people.

Think about the impact of a king who doesn't make the best decision for his own well being. A king who instead would put other people first and make the best decisions for THEIR well being, even if it meant going as far as his own death. Think about a king who would say to his people, "No matter how bad things get for you or for me, I will never leave you or turn away from you." Think about a king who would say, "It's not all about me. I am going to prepare a place for YOU, so that YOU can come and live with me." Think about a king who would prepare a way for his people to experience an eternity of goodness, health and a joy so deep and rich that words can't even describe it. Now that would be a king! Give me a king like that and I will follow him, no matter what someone else might say about him. If he would be that faithful in watching over my well being, then he would be worthy of all my praise and I would be honored and humbled to indeed give it to him.

To my friend who might be visiting this blog for the very first time, who might not be sure what I am getting at, let me say right now; that king really does exist and everything I just described is just a tiny bit of what He offers you and me. He is a lover of people and even watches over our souls. He is a king who is worth dying for and yet He died for us. Even as I think about Him and write about Him I find it hard to control my emotions. There was a time when I never knew someone could love me this much. He truly is a King to follow and the good news is that we don't have to go to South Beach to follow Him. He is the CHOSEN ONE,indeed and if you want it, I am ready to help you learn how to find this King.

"I am with you always; even to the end of the age."---Jesus

4 comments:

  1. Well said, Mark. It has always bothered me the way LeBron has been referred to as the king.

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  2. The "We are all witnesses" banner always felt like a punch in the gut when i saw it- especially in light of the orginal: "God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact." Acts 2:32

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  3. I guess after Elvis, Michael Jackson and Lebron I am glad to know the King of all kings! Thank you God for sending you son to lead us into your presence.

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  4. AMEN!!! He was NEVER MY KING!

    I do want a Cleveland Championship again though! I will always support my Cleveland teams -- because Cleveland is my town -- I was born there and feel a loyalty. But my loyalty is first and foremost to My KING!! My Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!! Could you imagine a poster of HIM stretched across a building in downtown Cleveland?!?!

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