The Parable of the Rules Committee
Two coaches were discussing the new rules that would go into effect the coming season. One of them said, "I don't know why they have to change the rules every year." The other said, "Well, it might be because we spend a lot of time trying to figure a way to get around the rules."
In every game that is played there is a great need for the rules committee. They meet every year and sometimes more frequently to change the rules.
The reason is that owners, athletic directors, coaches, trainers, and players find ways to get around the rules. Something needs to be defined more clearly, or someone needs to be protected; therefore, the game is changed.
Many people believe that the Biblical rules are eternal and have to stay the same. This misses the point of rules; they are given to help us play the game. There are many referees in this world but don't confuse them with God. It is man, not God, who has determined the penalties.
Some think there are only ten rules; however, these had to be added to, so "the Jewish law contained 248 positive commands and 364 negative commands."1
See: Leviticus and Deuteronomy for the many laws. Matthew 5:17b - I have not come to do away with them, but to make their teachings come true.
The Parable of Jimmy the Greek
Theophilus said, "Let me tell you the story of Jimmy the Greek, who is a famous sports prophet. He tells you the odds by studying every facet of the contest: the previous records, the playing conditions at game time, the home field advantage, the injuries, the different motivational factors, and every detail."
Contrary to popular belief, Jimmy the Greek was not a predictor, he was a prophet. Many sportswriters are predictors; they predict the winners. Jimmy the Greek gave the odds on what would happen unless conditions changed. When conditions changed, the odds changed.
In a similar way, the prophets looked first at the righteousness of God and prophesied that a holy God would not tolerate a sinful people. Thus, they had it 10 to 1 that the Babylonians were going to defeat the Israelites.
The most common misuse of the Bible is to take the great prophesies and apocalyptic writings and use them to predict something that is going to happen shortly. This is like finding an old form sheet to forecast what will happen next season.
I John 4:1 - My dear friends, do not believe all who claim to have the Spirit, but test them to find out if the spirit they have comes from God. For many false prophets have gone out everywhere.
The Parable of "Old Mo"
Theophilus said, "A certain team was playing and it appeared that they would be soundly defeated. Then in the twinkling of an eye, and no one could see why, the game turned around and defeat turned into a remarkable victory."
In sports, "Old Mo" is that invisible but clearly seen factor that inspires a turnaround in any game. The name is Momentum. In church, "Old Mo" is that invisible but clearly seen factor that inspires and turns around a congregation. The name is Holy Spirit.
If you seek the meaning of the Holy Spirit in your life, there is no doubt that another name for the Holy Spirit is "Old Mo." A combination of study, preparation, tradition, esprit de corps produces "Old Mo."
"Poor Old Mo" doesn't even get into the creed until the last paragraph. However, everyone knows that if it weren't for the third paragraph we wouldn't have the first two. On deeper reflection that's the proper place for Mo because if you think you've got Him you lose Him.
John 3:8 - The wind blows wherever it wishes; you hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going.
The Parable of Free Agency
A certain professional athlete completed his contract and decided to become a free agent. He visited one team and they offered him twice as much as his former team, another offered him the same money he was making but a chance to play on a championship team. His old team could not match the offers but his teammates pleaded with him to stay with the old team. Which of the three teams do you think the free agent chose?
When we have choices to make between conflicting desires, we are told to let our conscience be our guide; however, a conscience is nothing more than the values of a society. Those who yelled, "Crucify him!" did so with a very good conscience. A conscience can say, "Take the money. Think of how much good you can do." A conscience says, "You have sacrificed enough to help a poor team be respectable, you don't have to live with the idea that you were good but never won a ring." A conscience says, "Don't be selfish for money or prestige, self-sacrifice is the important thing. Do unto others, and if the star were leaving my team, I'd want him to stay."
Which one did the player choose? He followed the voice of conscience that was most convincing.
Joshua 24:15 - If you are not willing to serve him, decide today whom you will serve . . . As for my family and me, we will serve the Lord. 1 D. B. J. Campbell, The Synoptic Gospels (New York: The Seabury Press, 1966), 106.
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