We know by now that the NFL is a QB-driven league and elite quarterbacks lead the top teams. Most of these quarterbacks move well in the pocket and some of them are actually amazing runners outside of the pocket. However, one of the keys to being a great quarterback is having the ability to throw the deep ball and a willingness to go deep and take some chances down the field. This year Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen have all demonstrated the importance of throwing deep to their wide receivers and those big plays have allowed their offenses to flourish. Meanwhile, struggling teams like the Colts, Chargers, and Bucs have struggled to consistently and successfully go deep to their wide receivers. It’s fair to question why some QBs are unwilling to throw it deep and criticize how they settle for check-downs and easier passes. It’s also clear that their unwillingness to throw it deep is negatively affecting their teams. At the same time, we can recognize how beneficial the deep ball is to the top offenses across the league. As we consider the importance of throwing it deep down the field, today I want to unpack what it means to “go deep” in our own lives. How many of us are longing for deeper relationships, a deeper understanding of God and His Word, and a deeper purpose and meaning for each day? Why aren’t we going deep with people? Is there something holding us back from "taking chances down the field"? Why aren’t we willing to go deeper with God? Are we afraid to go deep and would rather settle for “check-downs”? Do we see how much a lack of depth is costing us? I believe there is so much value, joy, and peace when we have deep relationships with others and a deep understanding of God’s truth, love, and goodness. We should all feel the way Paul does in Romans 11:33 (AMP): “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and decisions and how unfathomable and untraceable are His ways!” We know offenses are so much stronger when they have a deep ball. Likewise, when we establish our lives deeply rooted in Jesus we are so much stronger. Jesus describes this in Luke 6:47-48 (NLT): “I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to Me, listens to My teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built.” Today, let’s ask ourselves if we are living a shallow life or taking advantage of the “deep ball.” Are we willing to consistently go deep and push past whatever is holding us back? Let’s all take claim to the prayer in Ephesians 1:17 (AMP): “ that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may grant you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation into the true knowledge of Him .” Imagine how much richer and fuller our lives would be if we actually went deep! I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please grant me deep wisdom, revelation, and insight so I can know You intimately. Help me to live my life with deep meaning and purpose that includes deep relationships with others. I ask that my life be deeply rooted in Jesus. It’s in His name I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. Would you say you have deep relationships in life? If so, how have you cultivated those? If not, why not? 2. How has your faith deepened over the years and in what ways would you like to go deeper?
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