Once again snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, the Chargers blew a
half time lead to the Lions in the battle for a higher drafting position. True
to tradition, another team’s half time pep talk came true, “sure we’re down by
24 points, our QB is hurt, but it’s the Chargers, so let’s go out and win!”
With the Chargers leading at half time, and going scoreless the second half..
two missed field goals by their punter, fumbling on the goal line by the
replacement for their star running back who is holding out wanting to be traded,
two touchdowns being recalled by penalties,and in the clutch, Philip Rivers
completes a pass that should have won the game...but to the other team. Again.
And they honestly wonder why in a town of two NFL teams they are #4? Remember
that USC and UCLA both fill their 100,000 seat stadiums, while down the road the
Chargers can’t fill one with 40,000...if only NFL games only lasted for 30
minutes.....if fumbles were touchdowns, the Chargers might win.
As kids we played touch imagining we were stars of the day, like Joe
Namath, who is in the Hall of Fame for one victory, and made a hero from it. He
predicted a win in the Super Bowl and delivered. But what if he hadn’t, no
Super Bowl ring or NFL Hall for Joe Willie, just another pretty face who played
the game. But he did win, and the Jets won, and forever changed the NFL, as it
was the last AFL/NFL Championship game. True the two leagues had decided to
merge ahead of the game, but many claim it was the Jet’s AFL victory that forced
it. Let them believe what they want, the truth will still be the truth. Jet’s
win, Joe is MVP, and on the way to the Hall...
Imagine game time on a Sunday 2000 years ago. The promise of victory by
Jesus looking like defeat. Even his loyal fan base has moved on, while some
loyal women meet at the tomb. Joined by some men, who when confronted by is
absence, are confused. Not realizing the victory they are witnessing, the one
Jesus had predicted, that on the third day he would be resurrected. And as the
angel spelled this our for them, how doubt must have turned to amazement, and
fear to joy. The resurrection the difference in all religions today, how Jesus
Christ overcame death on the cross, how the tomb was empty, and how we too if we
believe in him will also be resurrected. We fail to follow that, never facing
the fact we were dead in sin and you can only resurrect something that was dead,
and that we can have everlasting life in him. But just as many on love him
until half time, and give up when behind, God leads us to victory in the darkest
of hours. Talk with someone who has faced financial, physical, or emotional
ruin, and trusted God and overcame the situation. Who unlike the Chargers,
snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, not the other way around, and through
them God’s light continues to shine. It is not tough people, but tough times
and a loving God who when trusted will provide the victory. While some brag on
the things they have done for Christ, true believers who walk in the spirit brag
on what Jesus has done for them. Jesus even addressed the crowd of so called
believers, the church crowd, who after bragging on what they had done, were
admonished to find Jesus never knew them. That what they had been following was
a lie...but who turned we never are told. Jesus’ half time talk on true
Christianity must have made an impact on some while others just saw the score,
and they looked like they were winning. No matter where we are in Christ, we
still have a game to play out while here on earth. Life may go on for us in
heaven, but life also goes on here on earth for now. Ahead or behind, we have
the second half yet to play...
One victory made Joe a hero, one victory in Christ will do the same for
us. A place in the book of life, the real hall where it is all about his
accomplishments not ours. Where his victory insures ours, and we win because
Jesus won first. No religion necessary, just Jesus.
But yet the NFL is taking cues from organized religions, by making more
laws. They sure cannot define a catch, but can argue over it and have pass
interference reviewed, even if it didn’t occur. Don’t let the laws of religion
become a burden, find victory in Jesus, walk in his spirit, love the unlovely,
and don’t give up despite the score. Or you can remember the Heidi bowl and the
last 21 seconds cut off by NBC. The game went on, only the outcome changed. Or
every week watch the Chargers proclaim “we’re number 4!” In a two team town.
Some dress the part, some play the part. Some are waiting on parts. Imagine
the headline “JESUS WINS!” What it means to you may be your entry into the hall
of heaven. If only we played the Chargers every week, life would be so much
easier.....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com