This weekend’s rematch between the New England Patriots and the Seahawks finds Seattle fans recalling the nightmare conclusion to Super Bowl XLIX. Along with 12s throughout Seahawk Nation, I relived that disastrous game-ending interception for months. Speculation of deflategate that had preceded the big game gave way to admission of communal depression. 

And now, eleven years later, we have the chance for redemption. As a devoted 12, I am pleased to see the revival of enthusiasm for our team. For the past decade observance of Blue Fridays with display of Seahawks flags and the wearing of jerseys was in decline. But that trend appears to be changing. Our winning ways this season have captured the heart of our city once again. Gratefully, Seahawk fever is far more prevalent than bird flu. 

Here’s a case in point. When I wear a Hawks knit cap while on my daily power walk, it is not uncommon for strangers to greet me with “Go Hawks!” Of course I return their greeting with “Go Hawks!”  It’s not all that different from passing the peace in church. “The Lord be with you! And also with you!”

I take pride in being a12. Recently that pride prompted me to take part in a Hawks pre-game party the weekend of the NFC Championship game. When I heard that The Today Show would be broadcasting a pep rally near Lumen Field, I was determined to show up even though it meant getting up at 3am. And I wasn’t alone. There were close to a hundred folks joining Blue Thunder and the Sea Gals as together we cheered our lungs out before a national television audience. 

The current fan-demonium reminds me of the Blue Wave that unified our state a dozen years ago. And as a 12, who also happens to be a retired pastor, I have been reflecting on the recent resurgence of team loyalty. To my delight I’ve discovered a couple instances in the Bible where a 12^th man contributed positively to the lives of others. 

For example, there is Joseph in the Old Testament. This great-grandson of Abraham was sold into slavery in Egypt by his eleven brothers. Without their knowledge, Joseph eventually became a high-ranking government official overseeing food distribution in the Middle East during a multi-year famine. 

Years later when Joseph’s eleven brothers journeyed from Canaan to Egypt to purchase grain, they didn’t recognize their brother. But he recognized them. Not only did he forgive them for their mistreatment of him decades before, he advocated for them before Pharaoh and provided them with all they need to survive. Like a true 12^th man, Joseph celebrated his brothers, cheered them on and encouraged them to succeed.

In addition, the New Testament portrays Jesus as one who plays the role of a 12. After Judas committed suicide, there were only eleven disciples.  And after Jesus’ death and resurrection, the eleven were a bit unclear as to what they should be doing. Jesus was increasingly leaving them on their own. Huddling together they decided to return to fishing, a vocation they knew best. 

But they struggled in their efforts to succeed. Following a losing effort on the Sea of Galilee, they heard a voice calling out to them from the beach. They recognized the silhouetted figure in the distance as their risen rabbi. In addition to offering advice (which resulted in a winning catch), Jesus served them breakfast and refocused their direction. As their 12^th man, he affirmed their potential and celebrated their achievements. (See St. John chapter 21 for the rest of the story).

Those two instances in Scripture find me looking for ways that I can be a 12 beyond being a supporter of my hometown football team. I want to be a 12^th man to my family, to my fellow church members and those in my neighborhood . Being a supporter, encourager and cheerleader for those around me is something to which I can aspire year-round. And so can you.

In addition to each week’s post on this website, Greg Asimakoupoulos offers daily video devotionals on his YouTube channel. Here is a sample video. If you are interested in receiving these devotionals Monday through Friday, you can subscribe on Greg’s channel.