Heading into the NFL season, there was immense excitement and expectations surrounding the Denver Broncos. They were a team that was building a solid defense through the draft and had young weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Missing a veteran quarterback, the Broncos traded with the Seahawks for Russell Wilson, giving up two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, and multiple veteran players. Denver then gave Wilson a five-year, $245 million extension with $165 million in guarantees, making him the NFL’s second-highest-paid player at $49 million per year. Considering they gave Wilson so much money, provided him weapons on offense, and a legit defense, there's been an understanding from everyone that he should be scoring touchdowns and helping them win games. Unfortunately, in six games, he’s scored six touchdowns and his QB rating is 83.4 on the season, which is the lowest of his career, while his team is 2-4. Mike Greenberg captured the reality of the Wilson and Broncos situation when he mentioned on ESPN yesterday, "To whom much is given...the expectations...” It's clear that Wilson hasn't lived up to his huge contract and the responsibilities that come along with being given so much. We’ve all heard the well-known saying, “To whom much is given, much is expected or required.” We hear it used in sports, business, and other areas of life, but more importantly, it is something Jesus taught while He was here on earth. As recorded in Luke 12:48 (NLT), Jesus says, “...When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” This verse is part of a parable Jesus shares comparing a faithful and wise manager to an unfaithful servant. As followers of Jesus, we’ve been entrusted with so much and have been given great responsibility. We are stewards of God’s gifts, grace, abilities, and resources and are called to be faithful servants to Him. We have been given the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and eternal life, and have been shown God’s will. So how are we stewarding and managing all that we’ve been given? Are we living in a way the Lord requires and are we living up to the expectations? No, we aren’t earning salvation since we have a “guaranteed contract,” so to speak. God’s grace is a free gift, and we are stewards who have been given much, so much is required. Micah 6:8 (CSB) tells us, “Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.” 1 Peter 4:10 (AMP) says, “Just as each one of you has received a special gift , employ it in serving one another as good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace .” Today, let’s praise God for all we’ve received from Him and ask Him to show us how we can use everything we have for His glory and His purposes. Let’s be faithful and wise managers with the responsibilities, abilities, and resources we’ve been entrusted with as we embrace the high standard we’re held to. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me Your Son, Jesus, and for giving me grace. Thank you for blessing me with so much. I pray I would be a good steward of all You’ve entrusted me with and ask You to help me understand the responsibility I have to honor You and glorify You. It’s a joyous responsibility, not a dutiful burden and I hope You’ll be able to trust me with more. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. When you think about all God has entrusted you with, what comes to mind?
2. In what ways do you feel challenged to be a better steward and manager of the gifts and responsibilities He’s given you?
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