Queenslanders can keep their sense of humour intact, even through the devastating floods.
Lang Park (Suncorp Stadium) is Queensland’s home of Rugby League, where the Emperor of Lang Park’, the (Rugby League) immortal Wally Lewis helped carve Queensland’s State Of Origin League dominance over New South Wales.
Lewis was honoured by the placement of a statue outside the venue.
Presently the Stadium has been inundated with water, as the picture below indicates.
There was even a fire as the water caused an electrical malfunction.
Flooded out ... Suncorp stadium in flood at 1pm,12/1/11 picture supplied by The Courier Mail Source: Supplied
What does a great emperor do when his empire is submerged?
He follows suit.
The image below started life on Twitter and been spreading around.
ALL HAIL: The Twitter picture by Brad Marsellos. Source: Supplied
Jeremy Dover, sports chaplain, offers a few brief thoughts at Christian Today Australia:
But, before it was a sporting venue it was a cemetery, and in 1914 was named Lang Park after John Dunmore Lang (25 August 1799 – 8 August 1878). Lang was one of Australian’s first Presbyterian ministers. A fiery Scot, Lang was involved in many political and religious controversies. He was an entrepreneur who not only spread the Word of God throughout New South Wales (which then included Victoria and Queensland) but also heavy involved in commerce. He promoted immigration and investment in Australia. One of his endeavours was selling seed for crops around Brisbane. His work around Brisbane led to the cemetery and subsequent sporting oval being named after him.
Lang was also well known for his fight for those in need: those suffering poverty or social injustice and support for the indigenous community. Lang showed his faith in action, providing the tangible needs and political support needed. But one of Lang’s greatest legacies was not a sporting stadium but the way he pointed to Jesus as the Comforter. His Sabbath sermons had clear calls to go to Jesus all who are weary and burdened. This is a message Brisbane needs as it searches for comfort and hope.
Many will ask, “Where is God?” or “Why did He not prevent the loss from these floods?” These are important but difficult questions to wrestle with. The best answer, however, is seen in what Jesus did. Jesus promised comfort for those in need (Matthew 11). He was present and walked beside people in their troubles (Luke 10). While Lang Park may point to John Dunmore Lang, remember that Lang pointed to the real source of comfort, Jesus.
Read the whole piece here.
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