Along with millions of others on Wednesday night, I watched the long and exciting seventh game of baseball’s World Series. Two teams sharing a combined misery of nearly 120 years without a title—the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Indians—battled it out until the 10th inning until the Cubs finally prevailed, setting off delirious bedlam among their fans around the country. It was a joy to watch.
But in the celebratory aftermath, something odd began happening. Stories began appearing memorializing long-suffering fans that had died before seeing their beloved team “win it all.” The famed brick wall of Wrigley Field became an impromptu memorial to faithful fans who missed out on the earthly celebration. Facebook posts also began to appear saying departed relatives and friends were “looking down from the best seats” and joining in on the celebration. Suddenly, it seemed, an earthly event took place whose significance was so great to gather the attention of the heavenly realms.
This is a common belief—departed loved ones caring deeply about the events that once so enamored them in this earthly life. Sports and entertainment figures often say a parent or a spouse is “looking down” and enjoying a certain award or achievement. Or they will point to the sky as if to say, “I know you’re watching, so this is for you.”
I understand the sentiment. It’s a way to honor and remember our loved ones and is an expression of our deep emotional connection with them after they have departed this life. However, I also see the danger of making too much of what we do here. Do we really believe a sport or an award to be so great or so important to attract the eyes of those of the dearly departed? Do we really think after experiencing the realities of Heaven and being in the presence of Jesus, the King and Lord of all, the win of a long-suffering sports team or the presentation of an Oscar creates awe among the departed saints?
The danger I see is that we see ourselves primarily as citizens of this world; thus, what happens here we view as of supreme importance and consequence. The fact is, however, as Paul reminds us, we are citizens of heaven. As such, our focus should be more on what is valued there.
When my wife moved to the States from South Africa, she didn’t even know what the Super Bowl was and couldn’t have cared less about it, because in her country, rugby and soccer are the premier sports. To Americans, this is almost unfathomable. But the truth is, American sports do not have the attention of all the world’s citizens because they are focused on things in their own countries; their priorities and interests are different from ours. I think the same is true of those now living in the heavenly realms with the Lord.
What is of great importance to us is not necessarily of any interest to them. For what they are experiencing is far better than anything they experienced on earth. While we may want to believe they are actively following what happens here, I think they are too busy enjoying real life to much care about the happenings on earth. The Lord has replaced them with something much, much better. If they can give a glance back at this life, I think it is only to wish we could join them.
Today, remember you are a citizen of Heaven and your longings should be there. For that is where the real celebration is taking place.
© Jim Musser 2016
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