When I was in third grade, I decided that rather than remain a NY Giants fan like the rest of my family I would make a change. I determined that green was more my color and switched allegiances to the NY Jets—I really couldn’t tell you why. Some benefits of being a Jets fan include tickets are always available and memorabilia is generally less expensive. I had a couple Jets hats over the years and was in need of a new one. I had to order it online because at this point in the season no stores are stocking new Jets stuff. I can admit that their season tends to end before playoffs. But it made me think about something. Becoming and remaining a Jets fan, even through rough seasons (basically all of them), I can never be accused of being a ‘bandwagon’ fan.
Romans 5:8 reminds us that, “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Talk about the opposite of ‘bandwagon’! Jesus did not save us because of our stats or even our potential. Jesus essentially gave his life for a rival team. We should be His enemies, our sin put Him on the cross. Boy am I glad that God is not a bandwagon fan. My merchandise would be below bargain basement prices.
One of my favorite songs we sing on Sundays at Restore is In Tenderness. There is a verse that goes, “He died for me while I was sinning, needy and poor and blind / He whispered to assure me: ‘I've found thee; thou art Mine’ / I never heard a sweeter voice, it made my aching heart rejoice.”
Being a Jets fan is rarely rewarding. Rooting for the underdog is fine, and when they are victorious it is thrilling to say the least, but all of the kindhearted ribbing gets old. I wore my Jets hat and was instantly mocked as the Jets lost this weekend. My response was that we (the Jets) were being benevolent by giving the Dolphins their first and only win so far this season. I added that we don’t need ALL the glory.
We humans are the underdogs. Humankind is broken and we cannot win on our own. We are recipients of God’s benevolence, giving us our only victory by the sacrifice of His Son. This is what I have learned as a Jets fan.