I watched a replay of Super Bowl LIX
last week. The NFL Network version was shortened (for airtime), but the result
was still the same: sweet to a Patriots fan and bitter to a Seahawks fan. The
NFL Network’s version was enhanced with many real-time sounds of the game,
including words spoken by players and coaches. I expected some pretty raw
conversation, and was glad that certain language was bleeped out. But I also
heard some things I was not expecting. I was struck by the volume and sincerity
of expressions of love between grown men. The Patriots’ players and coaches
were freely and loudly – with no embarrassment or holding back – telling each
other, “I love you.”, or “I love you, man!”… and other expressions of
appreciation and affection. I guess I had never connected those kinds of
expressions with football players or even the game of football, though I
certainly understand how being close for a period of months and working
together toward a common goal could bond a group of men to one another.
Recently I read the blog of a former
football player, Derwin Gray. He was writing about leadership and he wrote these
words: “During my NFL days, after a win some of my coaches would hug me and
tell me that they loved me. But after a loss, some of them wouldn’t even talk
to me. I remember after a game that I didn’t play so well in, one of my coaches
walked up to me and looked at me with disgust and disdain, then just walked
off. This incident tightened my grip of faith in Jesus and loosened the grip of
my idolatry of playing in the NFL.”
Gray’s remarks remind me of the
glory of grace. If the Patriots had lost, I’m not so sure there would have been
such a free flow of love. There probably would have been some anger, frustration,
and even resentment toward any players or coaches who may have made mistakes
that could have been seen as costing them the game. Perhaps a consoling kind of
love would have been shared by some, but I’m quite sure that what I observed –
an ebullient, vocalized outflow of enthusiastic affection – would have been
highly unlikely. As I think about Gray’s experience I think about the beauty of
God’s grace. When men turn away from us, Christ turns toward us. When men
reject us, Christ reaches out to us. When men think we deserve scorn or
punishment, Christ responds to our need with His forgiveness and mercy, and He
makes us fellow-heirs with Himself. When our efforts fall short – which they
always do – Christ steps in and grants us His righteousness. It isn’t about
whether we are winners or losers in the world’s eyes. His love is powerfully
and abundantly directed toward us, in spite of our weaknesses and failures.
This kind of grace is awesome, and
draws out from us a deep love for Him. He is worthy of our thanksgiving and
praise. To God be the glory.
John 8:10-11 (NIV) 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her,
"Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11 "No
one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus
declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
Romans 8:1 (NIV) Therefore, there is now no condemnation for
those who are in Christ Jesus,
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Romans 5:8-9 (NIV) 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in
this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since
we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from
God's wrath through him!
John 6:37 (KJV) All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that
cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
PRAYER: Father, thank you that in my sin, failure, and
weakness, Jesus has redeemed me. His words and actions of love have saved me
and given me new life. Thank you for love that is not conditional on my
performance. Thank you for receiving me. In Christ’s name, AMEN.”
Jesus
Christ is Lord!
Scott
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