“I just learned that word a few days ago."
This was pro basketball star Yao Ming’s response to a reporter’s question. The word the reporter used? “Underdog.” Yao Ming, star Houston Rockets center from China, has intensified his English language study the past year and now knows what it means to be an “underdog” (especially as his team faces the L.A. Lakers).
How about you? Do you identify with the underdog? The sporting world is our showcase for the underdog. We tend to cheer for the small school with heart over the huge school with money in the NCAA men’s basketball tourney. We love to see small-market major league baseball teams (like the Twins) take down the hated New York Yankees. In the recent run for the roses, there was a mix of shock and joy when “Mine That Bird” won the Kentucky Derby—a 50-to-one shot to win! Few BSU football fans will ever forget “Statue Left,” the final play of the 2006 Fiesta Bowl when upstart Boise State took out the crimson and cream storied program of Oklahoma.
We love the underdog. It makes a great story. Isn’t it fun to cheer for the underdog—so rewarding when they win?
It isn’t just on the court, gridiron, ice, or field where underdogs find their showcase. Many underdogs triumph in everyday life. The kid who rises above origins of poverty and drugs to become an attorney. Refugees who fled political persecution with nothing who have become extremely successful. Business owners who lost everything, only to start again from scratch in a new business and make it twice as successful.
We love the underdog. The “against all odds” story resonates with us. There is something satisfying to see these kinds of . . . well . . . “David vs. Goliath” stories. Perhaps it is more natural for believers to salute the flag of the underdog. Scripture is filled with them. No bookies in the ancient Fertile Crescent were taking bets that the guy building the big boat was right.
Who from Ur was betting for Abram when he took off following a vision? Yet who in the Old Testament could be described in his caliber of success? What do you suppose the odds were of Joseph, when he was knee-deep in a muddy cistern, becoming 2nd most powerful man in Egypt? Did anyone really think Ruth would make it? Rahab? Gideon? Daniel?
Who would guess a pampered pseudo-prince/admitted felon would safely lead God’s people out of Egypt? How about that rag-tag motley crew inching their way through the desert—would they stand a chance against the Proverbial Perpetual NASCAR Champion Team “Pharaoh’s Army” with their war chariots equipped with the latest technology?
The underdog is a fitting vessel through whom God often displays his power. Psalm 105 recounts the underdog group of Moses and the Israelites, with this appropriate conclusion:
“He brought out his people with rejoicing, his chosen ones with shouts of joy; he gave them the lands of the nations, and they fell heir to what others had toiled for—that they might keep his precepts and observe his laws. Praise the Lord.”
This is a perfect conclusion to the underdog victory throughout Holy Writ: Praise God. Praise God that he sent his own Son to take up the cause of the underdog. It was no contest—Christ destroyed the opposition. His victory is yours, dear fellow-underdog. Who would have thought, with grave sealed, that the victory would be His?
Let this be an encouragement to you in the challenges that lie before you today. The believing soul facing challenge has so often remained a perfect vehicle for God to display his power and help. Pray for God’s help in the difficulties plaguing you right now. Whoever trusts in God will never be put to shame. Blessings as you live that trust.
Have a blessed week!
--Pastor Dan