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,