Church Sign of the Week 15

It would take Jesus to stop the Melbourne Storm. Congratulations Premiers.

In a city that is mad on sport it takes a lot to make a headline that knocks the AFL off the back page. Melbourne Storm winning the Rugby League Grand final is just such a story. Anyone, who hasn't been asleep for three years or on Mars, will know of the way the Storm were stripped of their Premiership titles after being caught breeching the salary cap - this win was well deserved!

The newspapers are full of how the Storm's defence won them the title. After scoring 4 tries in the first half they kept the second half scoreless against a dogged (and I use that word carefully) Bulldogs attack. Not even cannibalism could stop the Storm - 'ear, 'ear I hear you shout, luckily so does Billy Slater.

In the Gospel of Mark chapter 4 (verse 35) we read the story of Jesus calming a storm - in a miracle that to me is the greatest (see this blog ). He stills the winds and waves and returns the calm to the sea of Galilee. It would have taken that kind of power and authority to stop the Storm yesterday because we've got Billy Slater!

Many people tell me that Christianity has no place in the sporting world and the churches should not get involved in professional sport. But what happens if the sports involve the Church, is that wrong? Most professional sporting clubs in Australia have a Chaplain attached to them - we've had the chaplain from the Melbourne Demons Footy Club preach at church (I know the Demons NEED a Chaplain). I have worked with one or two teams over my time in the ministry - just because somebody plays a sport it doesn't mean they can't have a faith.

Many sports men and women have a very strong faith - this message was tweeted by Usain Bolt after his great win in the summer Olympics this year -

I want to thank GOD for everything he as done for me cause without him none of this wouldn't be possible

This is a picture of Steven Pienaar the Everton soccer player after scoring a goal.



I could find loads of other examples of Christians in sport - David Pocock the Wallabies Captain; many rugby league stars, plenty of AFL players.

Jesus is a big part of Australian sport and in Melbourne it is only fitting that we celebrate the Storm's win and give thanks to God, not for the victory but for the fact that we can play, watch and enjoy the sports we love.

Well done Melbourne Storm!