Having grown up in Chicago, I have been a Cubs fan since before I ever put on a Little League uniform. I learned the expression “Die Hard”, not from a Bruce Willis movie, but from what it means to root, root, root, for the home team, year after year whether they are in first place, or in the case of the Cubbies, mostly in last.
The last time the Cubs were in the World Series was 1945. The last time the Cubs won the World Series was 1908. As a result, I have lived in a perpetual state of “maybe next year” anticipation.
I believe being a Cub fan and being a Christian are closely related because they are both subject to persecution and both are waiting with great expectation a “glorious appearing”.
The Cubs were supposed to win the World Series last year in 2015 or so it was prophesied in the 1989 film “Back To The Future II” Even when things looked bad the Cubs being down 3 games to none and facing elimination our hopes were kept alive by the similarities with the 2004 Boston Red Sox. Theo Epstein was the Red Sox's general manager in 2004, and he is the Cubs' president now. Epstein had a manager in his first year with the team in Terry Francona, the now manager of the Cleveland Indians.
The Red Sox were dealing with the "Curse of the Bambino.” They hadn't won the World Series since 1918 after trading Babe Ruth to the Yankees. The Cubs are dealing with the "Curse of the Billy Goat.” They have been cursed ... or so the story goes since Billy Goat Tavern owner Bill Sianis was told to leave Wrigley Field during the Tigers-Cubs World Series game in 1945, because the odor of his pet goat named Murphy, was bothering people. Sianis apparently cursed the Cubs, saying they would never win a World Series again. And ever since then Cubs fans across the country have been saying again. “Wait till next year!”
WELL THIS IS NEXT YEAR! Last Thursday night the Cubs came back from a three game to one deficit to beat Terry Francona’s Cleveland Indians in extra innings to win the World Series. As a Cub fan I am experiencing a lifelong awaited elation. As a Christian I have been waiting with even greater anticipation the return of Jesus Christ as he promised throughout the scriptures. In my study of Biblical prophecy and current world affairs I am expecting this glorious appearance to happen soon. So as a Christian I lived with the hope that if it is not this year…
I can faithfully “Wait till next year.” Maranatha…Come Lord Jesus!
Your pastor and partner in ministry,
Kyle
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