The Hive Was Alive

Last night, I attended one of the best sporting events of my life, watching my hometown Charlotte Hornets take on the Miami Heat in an exhilarating and incredible NBA play-in game.

The Hornets pulled out the epic win in a crazy, chaotic, fantastic, and unbelievable way!

It was a roller coaster of emotions as the Hornets made outrageous shots, made ridiculously awesome plays, got huge defensive stops, and, in key moments, turned the ball over, took bad shots, and allowed the Heat to make big threes.

But in the end, the Hornets hung on for the 127-126 win thanks to a LaMelo Ball layup and a Miles Bridges block as time expired.

The game was competitive, intense, and tight throughout, with many lead changes, and the largest lead was only eight points. But as tremendous as the action was on the court, it was the crowd and the atmosphere that added so much to this special night.

Although Hornets fans have endured many brutal losing seasons, we are a passionate fan base that loves our team and is thrilled with this year’s turnaround. There has been so much excitement surrounding the team this season as they have become one of the hottest teams in the NBA. 

So, as the crowd gathered last night, you could sense the enthusiasm from all the die-hard fans who showed up ready to support the team as they fought to win and move closer to actually making the playoffs.

As I took my seat, I put on the free Hornets t-shirt they provided for everyone. It read “Protect the Hive,” the arena's nickname.

I joined the other fans in accepting the challenge, and throughout the game, we stood up, cheered, celebrated, defended the team when refs made unjust calls, and did what we could to keep the Miami Heat from taking out the Hornets.

While we protected the homecourt, the crowd was so loud and elated that the other phrase that summed up the environment was “The Hive is Alive,” with fans fired up and thrilled to be a part of the crowd on this memorable night.

Simply put, the crowd protected the Hive, and it was alive!

Now the Hornets have to win one more game on Friday against the Sixers or the Magic, and then they will enter the playoffs as the eight seed against the Detroit Pistons.

As you can probably tell, I’m still riding the sports-fan high from last night, and as I relive the experience, I see there is a parallel that encourages us today as we follow Jesus.

Each day, as we consider the "turnaround" Jesus has made possible in our lives, we're filled with passion and enthusiasm for the Lord. We then show up, ready to be a part of what He's doing.

We realize, however, that we face an opponent who is trying to take us out, and that means we must put on our “Protect the Hive” t-shirt, or rather, guard our hearts and put on our spiritual armor every time we step into the arena. 

Ephesians 6:11 (AMP) encourages us to “Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.”

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) advises, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

As we know and obey God’s Word, trust Him, love Him, and walk in His truth, He protects us from the evil that seeks to take us out.

The Lord tells us in Psalm 91:14 (NLT), “I will rescue those who love Me. I will protect those who trust in My name.”

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV) states, “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”

Just as fans protected the Hive and showed it was alive by standing up, cheering, celebrating, and defending against bad calls, as followers of Jesus, we do something similar.

We stand up for the gospel truth, we cheer each other on in the Lord, we celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness, and we defend against injustice.

Today, while I’m ecstatic that the Hornets won and grateful to a friend for giving me tickets to witness an amazing night, I’m even more thrilled to be alive in Christ and protected by His power, love, and grace.

Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV) explains, “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”

Romans 6:11 (ESV) says, “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you UNPACK that…and Go Hornets!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for saving me and making me alive in Christ. I pray that my life would demonstrate that I am alive as I stand up for the gospel, cheer on other believers, celebrate and praise You, and defend against injustice. Please protect me against evil and show me ways to guard my heart. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.