We had done very well in the tournament. The little league baseball team had endured the hot Oklahoma sun, and the coach was ready to celebrate with his up-and-coming major leaguers.
Everyone was hungry and tired. Feeding the crew in short order was a priority. Having multiple food options would keep everyone happy. What better place to build camaraderie than the local buffet?
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Sooner football fans are furious, and the Oregon Ducks are quacking out loud about their recent 34-33 win over Oklahoma. Questionable officiating during the final 72 seconds of the game has sports broadcasters, university presidents, coaches, players and loyal sports fanatics in an uproar and hungry for blood!
Recognizing what a horrible mistake the officials made of the game, the Pac-10 Conference suspended the referees and instant replay officials for their bad decisions. Some have accused the officials of using a duck call rather than a whistle. They blew it all right; they blew the game in a big way.
For whatever reason, whether it was peer pressure, short sightedness, money under the table or just plain old stupidity, the officials ended up looking like bumbling idiots on national TV. Their lack of discretion has been broadcast over and over again for millions to hear and see. If they thought they were pulling a fast one, boy were they ever wrong.
Before you gloat with satisfaction and justify your blood shot eyes, stop for a minute and ask yourself whether you’ve ever blown it. I know I have. Can you imagine what it would be like to have some of your decisions subject to instant replay? Yikes! There will come a day that all of us will stand before a righteous and holy God to give an account for the plays we called in the game of life. The devil will stand ready to roll the instant replay. But praise be to God, we have a coach on our team who will pull the plug on the tape machine. “Not so fast buster,” I can hear Jesus say. “I paid the price for this one’s bad decisions. He made me Lord of his life and accepted me as his Savior. Sorry, this one is on my team. We reviewed the tape, and it appears a blood stain has made your accusations inconclusive.” And with that, the final judge declares our innocence.
Just like in life, there are no do overs for the Sooners or the refs. I’m sad about the game, but as a Christian, I’m so thankful I don’t get what I deserve. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound (not from a whistle or a duck call) that saved a wretch like me.