It was the UEFA Champions League finals and football fans across the globe were watching the match. Barcelona had the upper hand and were making Juventes work really hard, it was the final minute of extended time and on the counter attack Neymar pushes in the final goal . 3-1 , Barcelona claim the title a 5th time and celebrations erupt in the stadium and Neymar is jubilant. He picks this strip of cloth, in all the noise around him, and ties it around His head, falls on his knees, the band around his head says, 100% JESUS.
It struck me, why would he do that, one of the best players in the world would show the whole world who he believes in, would that not make him less of the world and more of the pious . Why would he stand boldly and proclaim His name so that the whole world will see?. It kept me thinking about the passion and boldness required to make that stand on a global stage. In order to keep His name high there must be a reason and story behind that. Below could be few of the reasons that would bring a person to shout out the name of Jesus.
1. Jesus must be part of one's pain and joy in order for a person to proclaim His name.
2. Jesus must be real and true to one to be able to live His name out loud.
3. Jesus teachings should be part of one's life and in every aspect of it.
4. The hope of Jesus return must be source of one's power on a daily basis.
5. All you do, you do because you want to glorify His name and He lifts you up.
I am not sure of Neymar's story but I am sure he is not a perfect person and like all of us struggles with the battles of purity and holiness. However in grace he leads his life using the opportunities to proclaim the name of Jesus. Are we ready to do the same?, if the above pointers are still not evident in our lives , let us think and pray for His power , living in His hope , singing His song , so a day may come when all of us together will tie the band that says 100% JESUS