Soccer fans are some of the most faithful fans in the world. They will sit through the worst weather conditions to watch a match. These fans can also be some of the most flammable fans, often erupting in fights in the stands. One day 40 years ago, this took on an entirely different meaning.
A soccer team from Bradford, England was hosting the team from Lincoln City on the afternoon of May 11, 1985. “Many fans were there to celebrate Bradford’s two-year rise from bankruptcy to the league championship and promotion to the second division.”1
As fans watched the teams play, a fire broke out at one end of the stadium. This didn’t seem to disturb the fans as those in the affected section simply moved either to a different part of the stadium or down to the field. Everyone else stayed in their places, continuing to watch the game. No big deal! It’s just a fire. What could possibly go wrong? I’d rather watch soccer than be concerned with the threat of a fire.
“Within minutes, though, the fire spread up the wooden roof and quickly engulfed the fans underneath. It took only four minutes for the entire roof to burn. Hundreds of people were injured in addition to the 56 who were killed. “It spread like a flash. I’ve never seen anything like it. The smoke was choking. You could hardly breathe,” said survivor Geoffrey Mitchell.”2
How could something like this have happened? The liability falls directly on the stadium owners. “The stadium was known for its antiquated design and facilities, which included the wooden roof of the main stand. Previous warnings had also been given about a major build-up of litter in the cavity below the seats in the stand. The stand had been officially condemned and was due to be replaced with a steel structure after the season ended.”3
Notice what I’ve put in bold print and think about it. There was an official condemnation after previous warnings were ignored. It was due to be replaced but the owners said, in essence, “Later when we get around to it. We are planning to do
something about it, just not right now. There’s too many other things we want to do like watching our team on its final game of the season.”
Can you anticipate where I’m headed with this devotional?
Acts 26:1-2 gives the beginnings of a tragic story. “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: (2) I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews.” Paul followed this introduction with a summary of his life’s story, the trajectory of his life as a Pharisee, and some of the horrible things he had done. Then, Paul shares how the Lord turned his life around on the road to Damascus.
Next, Paul gives the Gospel in Acts 26:22-23. “Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: (23) That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.”
Paul shared warnings and God’s official condemnation. What’s the response? “And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. (25) But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. (26) For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. (27) King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.” (Acts 26:24-27)
Agrippa’s response to the warnings is similar to the stadium officials in England. “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” (Acts 26:28)
A couple of chapters earlier, Paul has a similar experience with a man named Felix and his wife, Drusilla. “And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. (25) And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” (Acts 24:24-25)
We must assume that Felix, Drusilla, Festus, and Agrippa all faced the same tragedy as the 56 souls in England. They succumbed to the fire. The only difference is that those in England who were saved only experienced the fire for a moment. At death, they entered Heaven. For those who have never trusted Jesus as Savior, the fire that’s coming is never quenched and they will be in it for eternity.
This is not a decision that can be put off. We can’t take be like the stadium officials and delay taking care of that which is about to burn. “For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)
1https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/may-11/fire-kills-50-at-soccer-stadium
2Ibid.
3https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradford_City_stadium_fire
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