KILL THE UMPIRE

     "Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped. 'That
ain't my style,' said Casey. 'Strike one,' the umpire said. From
the benches filled with people, there went a muffled roar, like the
beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore. 'Kill him!
Kill the umpire?' shouted someone in the stands. And it's likely
they'd have killed him had not Casey raised his hand."
     How often have we heard the outcries of those in the stands,
as they differ with the call made by the umpire. If the call does
not benefit their own team, then it must be wrong. It is the fault
of the umpire that our team is not winning the game. It is very
apparent that for some people the umpire is not the object of their
respect, but someone to vent their wrath on when things do not go
well.
     I cannot help but believe that many people see God the same
way. They sit in the stands of life constantly questioning Him and
railing on Him when things do not go the way they think they
should.  Recall when King David moved the ark of the Covenant in an
unlawful way and Uzzah ended up dying for touching the ark in an
attempt to steady it (2 Samuel 6:6-8). David was angry with God
when he should have been angry with himself.
     Isn't it interesting how the umpire, who makes possible an
orderly and far more enjoyable level of play, becomes the object of
our scorn rather than the object of our appreciation? It is amusing
how we want him there, behind the plate, but then think we have a
clearer view of the game from our seat in the stands. Unlike human
umpires, God is never out of position. He always makes the right
call. Still, we sit in our seats, with our limited view, and
question the One who can see it all!
     Why do people act this way at a game or in life? Because of
pride and prejudice. It is pride that keeps many from being wiling
to submit to any authority, let alone the authority of the unseen
God. God warns that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty
spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). Prejudice enables people to
find fault with others without applying the same standard to
themselves. We want a wide strike zone when we are pitching and a
narrow one when we are batting; complaining if it is any other way.
     Life is not a game, but some certainly approach it that way.
How easy it is to lose our perspective of what is more important.
"Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of
man (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
    ---Jack Thompson, preacher for the White Park church of Christ

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