Lessons We Can Learn From Football (Part Two)
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 (NIV)
Like football, another penalty you can get is being out of bounds. The Word of God sets boundaries for your life - lines you’re not supposed to cross. Honor your father and mother. Respect the lines of purity and fidelity in marriage. Don’t cross the line of drunkenness or drugs just because everyone else is doing it. God says, “You are on a mission, and I want to see you win.” When you cross those lines, it moves your life in the wrong direction.
Thirty-three years ago, instant replay was used for the first time in an NFL game. It was the Chicago Bears vs. the Cleveland Browns game. The referee called an incomplete pass by the Browns. The call was appealed, and then the referee went behind the veil, into the replay booth, and saw the truth from different angles. What was first called an incomplete pass was now called a fumble. The call was reversed, which changed the trajectory of the whole game.
That replay booth reminds me of the Old Testament high priest who went behind the curtain, behind the veil. The people had sinned, but when the priest looked through the mercy seat, he saw them through God’s mercy, not judgment. That is what God does for you. Behind the veil of Calvary, He sees you through the blood, through mercy. He says, “After further review, I call you blessed, forgiven, chosen.”
Don’t let the enemy convince you you’re beyond hope. Jesus tore the veil in two. Mercy is available to you.
God’s grace is greater than your guilt. His forgiveness is bigger than your failure.
His mercy covers your mistakes. His sacrifice on the cross was a game-changer for mankind. So when you fall, get up because God still sees you through mercy, and you haven’t lost the game because of one mistake.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for looking at me through the blood of Jesus. Thank you that no mistake is too big for your mercy. Help me to live within your boundaries. Keep me moving forward in the direction you have for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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