The NFL schedule was released last week and many of the broadcasters were doing interviews to talk about the marquee matchups and storylines for the upcoming season. When CBS’ Jim Nantz was on The Rich Eisen Show, the topic of the Thanksgiving games came up which led to a conversation about the legend, John Madden. Nantz became very introspective when talking about their relationship. Even though he had a house near Madden, he shared that he didn't spend enough time with him: “...And I didn’t get to see him as much as I should have. But I saw him on occasion for breakfast, a cup of coffee, a walk. This is going to sound really bizarre but I was intimidated by him. And he was not an intimidating guy. That was the last thing he’d want anybody to feel because he certainly didn’t try to emit anything to you that made you feel uncomfortable, but he was just so big and I had so much respect and appreciation for him.” Nantz added, “...But when I was around John I just never quite broke through that barrier of being in awe of him…He’s the most normal guy ever, but I just think it speaks to my love, respect, and appreciation for him. I looked up to him so much. I lived a mile from him.” He also said, “You get older in life and you think ‘you should have handled that relationship a little bit better.’ Man he was good to me. I wish I had more time with him. It was there. I know it was there if I had a little more self-confidence in that relationship.” Nantz made mention of this about Madden: “...People would approach him and he had time for everyone and he was a man of the people.” Lastly, Nantz reflected, “…I just had a certain level of admiration that was so high that, it made me not natural in communicating with him. I just looked up to him so much.” I am fascinated by Jim Nantz’s vulnerability and honesty, and somewhat surprised at how he interacted with Madden, as well as, how he viewed him. Yet, this admission has a profound parallel for us today when it comes to the way we interact with and view God. When reflecting on our lives, do we spend as much time with God as we should? He's so close, but do we just "see him on occasion"? I wonder if we are intimidated by God. Do we put up a barrier between us because we know how big He is and have so much respect and appreciation for Him, that we think who am I to bother Him? Do we allow our sin and shame to hold us back? Do we miss out on spending time with Him because we buy the lie He doesn't have time for us? Do we get uncomfortable around Him and don't know what to say or worry we might say the wrong thing and end up "not natural in communicating with Him"? Do we fear Him in a way that leads to intimidation and distance...or the proper kind of fear that leads to worship in His presence? Do we lack confidence in the relationship and deem ourselves unworthy to be in His presence? The good news is, we aren’t worthy on our own, but through Christ, we gain personal access to Almighty God when we place our faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Hebrews 10:19-23 (NLT) says, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By His death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting Him. "For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.” As followers of Jesus, we can confidently and comfortably spend as much time with God as we want, both now and in eternity. Plus, even more so than John Madden, “He has time for everyone.” Today, let's absolutely be filled with awe as we look up to God, and instead of our “love, respect, and appreciation for Him” intimidating us, let's allow it to draw us closer to Him in fellowship. After all, we're given this reassuring instruction in Hebrews 4:16 (AMP): "Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need .” I'm Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I'm in awe of Your goodness and I have so much love, respect, and appreciation for You. I'm sorry I don't spend more time being still and quiet with You. I know You are willing to be with me and I desire to be in Your presence, so please help me overcome my doubts and insecurities. Thank you for allowing me to know You personally. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. What prevents you from spending time with God? 2. In what ways is it intimidating to spend time with God?
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