How many
football fans do we have here? What an
exciting time. Do you enjoy watching
your favorite team play offense or defense?
With offense, there is a high level of anticipation and
uncertainty. Are they going to run the
ball up the middle or around the outside.
Are they going to throw a short
pass or a hail Mary. Will the coach call
the plays you think he should call? So
many variables come into play.
From a spiritual
perspective, do you tend to play offense or defense? There were many who played offense in the Bible. When Noah built the ark before it had even
rained, he was playing offense. When
Moses lead the Israelites out of Egypt, he was playing offense. When the Israelites
marched around Jericho, crossed the Jordan and covered their doors with blood
at Passover, they were playing offense.
When David attacked Goliath, he was playing offense. When we get to the New Testament, we discover
the parable of the talents. There, we
find that Jesus highly encourages us to play offense. What does playing offense or defense
spiritually have to do with communion?
During
communion, I confess I tend to pray about the things that I did over the last
week that I shouldn’t have done.
Thinking about the things I shouldn’t have done and trying not to do
them is playing Defense. I am working on
training my mind to focus more on things that I should do. I am working on moving toward the offensive
moves He may want me to make. I believe playing
offense allows us to use God’s gift of grace the most and naturally draws us
closer to Him.
Can you
relate? Do you tend to focus on the
things you shouldn’t have done- a more defensive way of thinking, or do you
tend to think about the opportunities God is laying before you- a more
offensive way of thinking? What amazing
journey does He have in store for you next?
These offensive adventures may create a high level of uncertainty and
may significantly complicate our lives.
Playing offense will certainly make us uncomfortable.
Now, during
communion, as we contemplate the power behind His resurrection, may we
contemplate those spiritual opportunities we are facing. May we consider how playing offense may spur
us to know Him more and draw us closer to Him.
And, as Jonathan said on his way up a cliff preparing to attack the Philistines,
“perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf.”
