Jesus and State of Origin

31st May 2009 by Jarrod Newton

Suncorp Stadium

State of Origin.

Every year, it's one of our nation's most-watched and most-loved sporting events, and the fanatical passion and devotion that both teams' supporters show could perhaps be best described as 'loyalty beyond reason'.

But really, what's so special about Origin? Why do these three games get our hearts pumping in a way that no other event does? Why do we talk about it for weeks (before and after) and make massive changes to our schedule to watch the game?

According to Kevin Roberts (CEO of one of the world's biggest ad agencies), people, events, teams and companies that inspire 'loyalty beyond reason' are called Lovemarks. And all Lovemarks have 3 things in common...

Two State of Origin players Mystery, Sensuality and Intimacy.

Think of the passion that is evoked at State of Origin time...

Mystery - the annual thrill of a completely unpredictable outcome. The conversation about who will win starts early in the year and builds and builds right up to the event. And don't forget the other major mystery - discovering who actually makes the teams.
Sensuality - The raw emotion of a big event, combined with the bright lights and packed stadiums. It's not uncommon to hear people say they could 'feel the excitement in the air'. Watching Origin is never just an event, it's an experience.
Intimacy - People aren't just barracking for their favourite players or the best team. There's a deep emotional connection back to their birthplace, their home town. Origin is personal.

And from there, we see a Lovemark in action. NSW Blues and Queensland Maroons supporters are the epitomy of 'loyalty beyond reason' - always passionate, always protective, and wouldn't for a moment consider switching to 'the other team'.

Jesus the Lovemark

Whether he realises it or not, I think Kevin Roberts has actually gotten a glimpse of God. God is love, but he also completely embodies the attributes of Mystery, Sensuality and Intimacy. Consider this...

Mystery - "And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?" - Job 26:14
Sensuality - "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." - Psalm 34:8
Intimacy - "God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." - Hebrews 13:5

God - in complete unity as Father, Son and Holy Spirit - is the ultimate Lovemark.

My question to you is this - does he have your 'loyalty beyond reason'?

Till next time!

Jarrod Newton

Comments

Rusty Hodges

June 01, 2009 at 9:10am

God's certainly got my loyalty beyond reason... even though i stumble and fall sometimes. He's always held me close to his heart.

P.S. Go QLD!!!

Reply