There’s No Need to Fear…Underdog is Here.
On my last trip to the Chicago area, I attended worship at Parkview Christian with my youngest daughter’s family, Their pastors are doing a sermon series called “God of the Underdog” featuring David, Rahab, the Samaritan Woman at the Well, and Ehud, the second judge of Israel. Now I am familiar with all of them except for Ehud. The theme of the sermon series is that we are not defined by failure or rejection but by what God can redeem through us.
When I was little, Saturday morning cartoons were something to look forward to. This sermon series reminded me of one of the cartoons that was on each week called “Underdog.” He redeemed people from crazy situations and spoke in rhyme. It is interesting to watch some of the cartoons again on YouTube.
I will always cheer for the underdog (unless it is hockey, and my Detroit Red Wings are playing). There’s something about a good “redemption” story, comeback story, that is so heart-warming. Recently I asked a few people to share with me underdogs and their stories, these names came up.
Ulysses S. Grant, Harry Truman, Winston Churchill, and Abraham Lincoln. I had no idea these were underdogs. They came so far to be considered some of the greatest people in history.
Another person said Joe Namath in Super Bowl III which guaranteed his AFL New York Jets would beat the heavily favored NFL Baltimore Colts. In the biggest upset in Super Bowl history, his Jets won 16 - 7. Also, Shawn Murphy as “The Good Doctor” on TV and Katherine Johnson from the movie “Hidden Figures” were named.
The great thing about underdogs is that, whether they break out of their underdog role or not, they are all created, loved and cherished by God. They need to know this; some need to desperately know this. We need to follow God’s treatment of such folks – all folks. I wonder if those involved in mass shootings, bombings, and devastating events are/were underdogs unable to break out of that role.
I need to look at all people, as God does, and lift up everyone because I never know which one feels like an underdog. Maybe a kind word, a bit of compassion, and a loving look could go a long way. It does not all fall to me, I know. However, if I could be one link in the chain of their life that shows them Jesus’ love for them, so be it.
Shannon’s church went on to say: “Hard pressed but not crushed. Persecuted but not in abandoned. Struck down but not destroyed. I’m a survivor.” We are not defined by failure or rejection but by what God has done for us through Jesus Christ’s death, resurrection and ascension. Thanks be to God.
If you feel like an underdog, needing encouragement, compassion and love, I would love to hear from you, hear your story and be there for you confidentially, of course. Please contact me.