If you aren’t already convinced of the Fall, maybe this will turn the tide.

A few days after our 83-67 victory over Udine during the first week of the season, we were informed that we had to forfeit the game because improper paperwork was filled out for our 2nd assistant coach. Because he sat on the bench (he has since sat behind the bench), the score was changed to 0-20. Naturally our team appealed the decision to some kind of decision board, but the decision was delayed so that finally, today, they decided to uphold their previous decision to have us forfeit the game.

Now, I am not sure what the rule books state. It is possible that the league has put it in writing that if the wrong paperwork is filled out, you must forfeit the game. I would be very surprised, but if that is the case, it should be obvious to us all that that is a stupid rule (and thus, evidence of the Fall). After all, this is professional basketball, and only 30 games are played, so I would think it would be much better for everyone involved for a simple fine to be paid. That seems to make more sense to every single person I have spoken to about this (literally, I have not found one person who thinks this makes any sense). I would be very surprised if an NBA team would have to forfeit a game if they had a wrong person sitting on the bench. And they play 82 games. Who comes up with this stuff?

If you think I am frustrated, you are right. Of course, I can trust the sovereign God of the universe with this decision, but at the same time, things such as these serve as a reminder that things are not as they ought to be. Certainly, rules should be upheld. I am all for that. But as we all know, not all rules are created equal. Not all decisions are as wise as we would like them to be.

And so it that I accept this one. As a wise one or a good one? No. But a decision nonetheless, good at least in that in reminds me that things are not as they ought to be, and that one day, because of Jesus Christ, a better day is coming. Indeed, a perfect day in which all is as it ought to be, even sport.