Week 8 in the NFL provided plenty of exciting matchups and intriguing storylines, but what was revealed after a full slate of games on Sunday?
· The Buffalo Bills traveled to Seattle and dominated the Seahawks 31-10, revealing that they are still the best team in the AFC East, and their defense continues to improve. · The Cleveland Browns got a surprising win over their divisional rival, the Baltimore Ravens, while revealing that Jameis Winston is a better quarterback option than Deshaun Watson, and they should have put him out there sooner. · The Bears and Commanders game revealed a few different things: a new rivalry has formed between young quarterbacks, "Hail Mary" plays can still win games, and it's not wise to boast about a win until the final whistle blows. · The Bengals and Cowboys revealed that their defenses still can't stop anyone, as the Eagles scored 37 points against Cincinnati, and the 49ers scored 30 points against Dallas. · Anthony Richardson revealed he's not ready to be a superstar quarterback as he completed 10 of 32 passes, took a play off when he was healthy but tired, and couldn't lead the Colts to a win. · The Lions again revealed that their offense (and special teams) is unstoppable as they dropped 52 points on the Tennessee Titans.
Every week leading up to the games, we make predictions as certain narratives are created, but once the games kick off, the truth about players, teams, and coaches is revealed. Coaches have the opportunity to reveal their game plan, we see player's mistakes exposed, and the teams' character is demonstrated.
The best players stand out, and coaches who make good adjustments are on full display. As we watch the games, we discover what teams are for real and have a chance to make a deep playoff run, and it becomes evident which ones aren't ready.
As we think about the revealing that takes place each week in the NFL and what became clear in week 8, I want to unpack how revealing happens in our lives.
First, God has revealed Himself to the world. We just have to look around at His creation.
Romans 1:20 (NLT) says, "For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God."
He has also revealed the truth about His character, His plan, and His love for us throughout His Word, as found in the Bible and through the life of Jesus.
1 John 4:9 (CSB) explains, "God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His one and only Son into the world so that we might live through Him."
John 1:18 (NLT) tells us, "No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is Himself God, is near to the Father's heart. He has revealed God to us."
According to Ephesians 1:9-10 (NLT), "God has now revealed to us His mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill His own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time, He will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth."
God has made it evident that through faith in His Son, Jesus, we can personally know Him, be saved from our sins, and live with Him for eternity.
The question is, does our life reveal we believe this is true? Is it evident that we've surrendered to Jesus, and He is transforming us? Is our faith genuine and on full display? When people watch us, what do we demonstrate to them? Do we show our faith is real? What does how we live, act, and talk reveal about our hearts?
Proverbs 27:19 (NKJV) says, "As in water face reflects face, So a man's heart reveals the man."
As we follow Jesus and spend time in God's Word, He will continue to reveal Himself to us in powerful ways, and He will also expose the sin in our lives and the changes He wants to empower us to make.
Today, let's continue to seek God. When we do, He will reveal His "game plan" for us, demonstrate His love for us, and expose our need for His grace and mercy. Then, as we live by the power of the Holy Spirit, we will reveal His glory to the world, His light shining through us, and His love in action.
I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing Yourself to me so that I can know and live with You, now and forever. Please continue to reveal Your will for my life and expose the sin that I need to repent from. Please help me demonstrate to the world that You have changed my life. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
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