December 2, 2013 (Monday)
On November 30, 2013, Auburn proved Yogi Berra’s proverb to be true: “It ain’t over ’till it’s over!”
With only 32 seconds left in the game, Auburn trailed Alabama by 7 points, 28-21. Auburn had possession, and the quarterback, Nick Marshall, ran to his left and suddenly stopped short of the line of scrimmage and threw the ball to a lone Sammy Coates, who ran for a touchdown, tying the game 28-28 after making the extra point. After the kickoff and runback, one second remained in the game, so Alabama attempted a 55-yard field goal, but the ball fell short and into the hands of Auburn’s Chris Davis, who ran it back 109 yards for an Auburn touchdown! Auburn 34, Alabama 28. Game over.
In response, a jubilant crowd emptied the seats and ran onto the field. I’ve never seen that many people on a playing field before, covering every square foot. The Alabama fans sat still in the stadium, obviously in shock.
Once again, the words of Yogi come back to make some people happy, others sad.
The theme of the Book of Revelation in the Bible could well be, “It ain’t over ’till it’s over.” In exile on the Island of Patmos, the Apostle John sent a message to Christians suffering persecution under a cruel Roman emperor, “Don’t quit. Keep on serving your Lord. The day is coming when every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Never lose hope!” That message is God’s Word to us this very day.
These thoughts bring to my mind memories of The Old Fashioned Revival Hour Quartet, singing, “I am on the battlefield for my Lord, I am on the battlefield for my Lord. I promised Him that I would serve Him ’till I die. I am on the battlefield for my Lord.” Victory may seem improbable, but with God all things are possible. Never give up. There is always hope.