Hey PPN Family,

I have been a bit down this week because on Sunday morning my beloved All Blacks (the New Zealand rugby team) lost in the Rugby World Cup final to our century old archrivals the Springboks (the South African rugby team). The victory won the Springboks their fourth World Cup (compared to our three) and brought the head to head statistics between our two teams to 40 wins for the Springboks, and 62 wins for the All Blacks (I’m only sharing this information because I thought that you would appreciate it).

Although it has been tough, I am so grateful to God for a “come to Jesus moment” that I had about ten or so years ago. Up until that time, my responses to All Black losses had been anything but Christlike. I would get really angry, and sulk and be moody for days.

Anyway, during one of these “Big Baby” episodes, the Holy Spirit lovingly rebuked me by reminding me that it was just a game, and that I needed to focus more on being disappointed by the things that disappointed God, and being excited by the things that made him excited.

I am not saying that there is anything wrong with being disappointed when your favourite sporting team loses, but things are definitely out of balance when these things bother us more than the things that break the heart of God.

In the Bible we see that God is heartbroken whenever people are hurt, or sick, or oppressed, or facing suffering, hardship or injustice. On the flip side we see that God is most excited when one of his children comes back to him. In Luke 15 Jesus tells the story of a shepherd who searches for his one lost sheep, and when he finds it, he throws a big party to celebrate. Jesus finishes the story off with these words in Luke 15:7 (NLT), “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”

So, I would like to give a huge congratulations to the Springboks and all of their fans. You deserved to win your fourth World Cup. But, although I am still disappointed by our loss over the weekend, I am excited that every day I get the opportunity to share the wonderful story of a loving God who throws a huge ticker-tape parade every time one of his children returns to him.

God bless,

Roland Talamaivao-Amituanai