Bradley Stone the boxer, Ayrton Senna the formula one racing driver, Steve Wood the jockey. In a period of just a few recent weeks each of these young men has died taking part in his chosen sport. They were professionals and no doubt they are not the only men to die in recent months earning their daily bread. Miners, oil-riggers, policemen and others die in the course of their daily work. But with these men it is rather different. They went out to entertain, to thrill, to excite people. Yet instead they met with death.
Their deaths, especially coming together as they have done, have provoked thought and sparked off debate in a number of directions. But what should the Christian make of such incidents? How should believers react and what should they be saying to the world around them? Do we say, 'What an interesting coincidence'? Or do we simply shrug our shoulders and say 'These things happen'?
Surely we begin by remembering Jesus's own words on this sort of thing in Luke 13:1-5. Are boxers and jockeys necessarily worse than those in other professions? Was Senna, or Ratzenberger who died in similar tragic circumstances the day before, more guilty than others who had entered the San Marino Grand Prix? It is unlikely. But they do serve as a warning to us all. If we do not repent we will perish too. Death stalks everywhere - on horseback, behind a wheel, in the ring and in a thousand places beside. Are you ready to meet your Maker ? Whether he calls early or late, at work or leisure, have you turned from sin? Have you been converted to Christ? If not, death is the gate to hell.
But I feel there is something more here. It is not an exaggeration to describe this generation as 'sports mad'. To observe that sport is a multi-million pound business is a cliche. It is about entertainment, enjoyment and man against the odds. It is a diversion, a distraction from the demands of the real world. And yet, in his providence, God has chosen, on at least four occasions in as many weeks, to cut across the proceedings and summon an individual from the place of play to Judgment. Our attention is dramatically turned from the chequered flag, the finishing tape or the referee's decision to the end of life on earth and God's final verdict. We must sit up and take notice.
It is not the first time God's providence has pointed in this direction. Remember the disasters at the Ibrox, Bradford, Heysel, Hillsborough and other stadia? Where is the lust for pleasure, this delight in sporting contests, leading us? Are we forgetting things far more important? Fight, yes, if your conscience allows. Race, yes, if you do it in faith. But never forget there is a more important fight to be fought, a more important race to be run. Bodily exercise is of some profit, but it is only godliness that is useful for all things. Let us not miss what God may be saying to us. Not, do not enjoy sport. Rather, in the midst of such joys do not forget your Maker. Do not forget your Judge. Be ready to meet him.
This article appeared in Grace Magazine in 1994
