“But now, Father, I’m coming back to you. I say these things while I’m still in the world so that they will have the same joy that I have. I have given them your message. But the world has hated them because they don’t belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world but to protect them from the evil one. They don’t belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Use the truth to make them holy. Your words are truth. I have sent them into the world the same way you sent me into the world. I’m dedicating myself to this holy work I’m doing for them so that they, too, will use the truth to be holy. I’m not praying only for them. I’m also praying for those who will believe in me through their message." (John 17:13-20 GWT)
In football, one the purposes of the offensive line is to keep the defense from getting to the quarterback so he can pass the ball. The other duty is to create a path and protect a player to run the run the ball down the field.
In addition to the line, there is sometimes a player who is assigned to guard the quarterback from defensive players who have broken past the offensive line. That player provides the final pass protection for the quarterback.
A good offensive line will not only protect the quarterback or running backs, but create opportunities for them to get that ball downfield and into the end zone.
As I watched the playoff games this past weekend, I noticed the aggressive behaviors of the defensive players to stop that ball (the player with the ball). They were fierce and relentless. There were times when the opposing players would get into a shoving match. It was if they hated one another. The behaviors and play schemes reminded me of our spiritual warfares with the evil one.
Satan will try anything and everything to keep you from passing on the Message. Unlike the referees in the game to officiate the rules of the game, our gridiron battle with Satan''s forces has no rules. But Jesus asked and provided the best pass protection.
Jesus handed us the ball - His Message - to pass on or hand off to others. Don't be timid with the Message because Satan will tackle you fiercely and relentlessly. Trust the ultimate guards of our offensive line - God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit, and pass or hand off the Message with confidence so that others can know the Truth and become part of God's team.
In football, one the purposes of the offensive line is to keep the defense from getting to the quarterback so he can pass the ball. The other duty is to create a path and protect a player to run the run the ball down the field.
In addition to the line, there is sometimes a player who is assigned to guard the quarterback from defensive players who have broken past the offensive line. That player provides the final pass protection for the quarterback.
A good offensive line will not only protect the quarterback or running backs, but create opportunities for them to get that ball downfield and into the end zone.
As I watched the playoff games this past weekend, I noticed the aggressive behaviors of the defensive players to stop that ball (the player with the ball). They were fierce and relentless. There were times when the opposing players would get into a shoving match. It was if they hated one another. The behaviors and play schemes reminded me of our spiritual warfares with the evil one.
Satan will try anything and everything to keep you from passing on the Message. Unlike the referees in the game to officiate the rules of the game, our gridiron battle with Satan''s forces has no rules. But Jesus asked and provided the best pass protection.
Jesus handed us the ball - His Message - to pass on or hand off to others. Don't be timid with the Message because Satan will tackle you fiercely and relentlessly. Trust the ultimate guards of our offensive line - God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit, and pass or hand off the Message with confidence so that others can know the Truth and become part of God's team.