09/17/10

“LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?”

Nearly every Friday night during football season, a select group of individuals make their way to a meeting place. These individuals are properly referred to as football officials (although some use other terms of endearment).  Even though we are required to be at the pre-game site at least one and one-half hours before kickoff, the veteran officials see the value in arriving long before that.  It is not uncommon for officials to arrive two or three hours early.

For some of us, preparation for what we do on Friday nights began as early in the year as March and April. That’s when the books come out and the studying begins in earnest.  We want to learn as much as possible so that when we get to the pre-game conference and later arrive on the field, we are on the same page and thinking the same thoughts.

Those who arrive early have time to escape from the day’s hectic pace and settle in for some “down time” before shifting into high gear for the scheduled contest. During that time, the game officials prepare their minds and attitudes and also acquaint themselves with the other officials (We sometimes work with officials we meet for the first time at this pre-game conference.)

We discuss specific coverage areas, special situations (i.e. on-side kick coverage, etc.), rules changes, and other items of importance.  In other words, we prepare for the game long before the game begins.

When a crew of officials walks onto the football field, we are of one mind.  How often have you seen game officials arguing with each other? There are sometimes arguments with coaches and fans, but not with each other. 

In the above verse, two words arrest my attention: “abide” and “dwell.”  “Abide” speaks of a sojourner who is walking with and in fellowship with his companion.  Amos asks the question, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3.3) In order for anyone to abide together, there must be agreement – and that must be based upon understanding and understanding is based upon communication and time spent together.  “Dwell” has a more permanent connotation. While it does not take away from the abiding, it adds the thought of a permanent enjoyment and fellowship – a staying together because of unity of hearts and minds.

Have you ever taken time to notice how rushed people are on Sunday mornings?  Those who come early and stay late are like the veteran officials – they are there because they really enjoy what they are doing – the fellowship and preparation for the up-coming contest (life outside church).  Long before the singing or the start of the sermon, their hearts and minds are prepared – ready for worship. Those who slip in late and leave immediately often retort that the church is either unfriendly or cold.

How tragic it is that we must “pump people up” before we can begin our worship and praise.  How difficult it is to “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46.10), when our hearts have barely slowed from the mad dash from parking lot to pew.

My parents often reminded me that anything worth doing is worth doing right.  Don’t you think praising and worshipping God is worth it?  If we can spend time preparing for jobs, games, meals, and family reunions, doesn’t it stand to reason that if we really want to walk with God, we should spend time preparing ourselves? Who can abide and dwell with the Lord?  Those who think it is worth being prepared.

Rev. John H Hill