Even though there have been ongoing Coronavirus concerns and postponements of NFL games, once the ball is kicked off each week, we are treated to high-octane offenses and an abundance of touchdowns.
Yesterday was no different as we saw more high scoring games. The Cleveland Browns put up 49 points on Dallas while the Cowboys still scored 38...and Carolina, Cincinnati, New Orleans, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Minnesota, and Buffalo all scored over 30 points on their way to a win.
Despite not having a full training camp or preseason football, offenses are clicking across the league as individual players put up monster numbers and teams score touchdowns at a rapid rate. The record has already been broken for the most total scoring through four weeks of an NFL season.
What’s interesting about the abundant scoring is all the different ways teams are getting into the endzone. We’ve seen wide receivers and tight ends carry the ball, running backs catch the ball, and even a Chiefs’ offensive lineman get into the boxscore.
Defenses have had a tough time stopping these high-powered offenses, but when they do, they’ve been able to run interceptions and fumbles back for touchdowns, with ten total so far. We’ve seen beyond just typical scoring plays.
Of course, as fans and Fantasy Football owners, we love gamedays filled with big plays and overflowing with scoring, and watching teams execute unique ways to get the ball past the goal line.
As we unpack the NFL's abundant scoring, I want to parallel it to the abundant life Jesus talks about. While He was here on earth, He said, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10; ESV).
Here are His powerful words found in other translations, as well, including the full verse:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (NIV).
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (NLT).
“...I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance ” (AMP).
The question becomes, are we experiencing an abundant life filled with blessings while our lives are overflowing with good things?
Although many view the abundant life as money, success, and power, there is so much more available to us that is lasting and satisfying.
Jesus invites us to live with Him both now and for eternity. The rich and abundant life is rooted in Him and His purposes and is others-focused - with open hands and open hearts.
The abundant life is filled with blessings such as joy, peace, contentment, purpose, and deep relationships. Trials and challenges are viewed as opportunities to “score more touchdowns” that overflow in unique and unexpected ways.
Psalm 16:11 (AMP) says, “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”
Ultimately, a surrendered life is an abundant life because we’ve given our lives and hearts to Jesus, who is life. He tells us in John 14:6 (NIV), “...I am the way and the truth and the life...”
Today as we enjoy an abundance of scoring in the NFL, let’s enjoy an abundance of blessings...living a full and overflowing life in and with Jesus.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for making a way for me to know You and experience the satisfying and abundant life both now and for eternity. I know that life apart from you is empty, but life with Jesus is full and overflowing with blessings. I surrender my life to You. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen. Discussion Questions for PACKS:
In what ways have you experienced the abundant life?
What holds you back from fully embracing the abundant life found in Jesus?
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