I read a story recently about a high school that did something extremely radical.  They decided that they would cheer for the opposing team.  This was a team that they had always beaten.  They were used to dominating them in every way, but last fall someone suggested they pull for the underdog.  They made a banner for the other team to run through to start the game.  They sent their cheerleaders to stand in front of their bleachers to encourage them.  Then half their fans moved over to the visitor section and started cheering them on by name.  It made a lasting impact on the other team.  (I will post a link at the end for anyone who would like to read the whole story)

Have you ever wondered why we are so drawn to pull for the underdog?  I know I have always liked to see some unlikely team or person do something unthinkable and shock the favorite.  In almost every Superbowl I watch I am rooting for the non-favorite.  We just experienced another March Madness where we love to see the upset, unless its’ our team getting upset.  I would say if we took a poll that a large majority loves pulling for the underdog.  Why?

I think the reason is because we can identify with the underdog.  Who hasn’t felt like you are facing great odds to accomplish something?  How many times have you thought you didn’t stand a chance of overcoming a certain obstacle but some way, somehow, you did!  This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost Sunday.  It is a day when one man, Peter, who had shown no ability to stand for Jesus on the night Jesus was betrayed, now becomes this powerhouse for Jesus.  His first sermon, after receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, brings thousands to Christ.    The difference obviously is once Peter had the presence of Jesus in him he was a different person.  His life and ministry showed the difference.

I don’t know about you but I want to live in that Pentecost experience every day.  I don’t want to live with the powerlessness that the Old Testament law brings.  That’s all Peter had the night Jesus was betrayed.  Boy how things changed just a mere 53 days later.  I will admit that there have been times in the past that I have lived like an Old Testament believer with that same powerlessness.  But there have also been those times, like now, that I am enjoying the blessings and power of a Christ follower.  I never want to loose that holy connection and I don’t have to.

The good news today and every day is that Jesus loves me and came to set me free from any bondage so that I could experience His power and presence daily.  Today I just wanted to remind each of you that you are loved, and if you ever feel like the underdog, Jesus is right there with you, pulling for you, giving you strength for the task at hand.