September 3, 2025

This past Sunday morning, I was in a deep theological conversation with a church member about the Ohio State vs. Texas football game the day before. Cathi, overhearing the conversation, knew that it wasn’t eternally significant and noticed another man who was waiting to talk with me. She encouraged me to wrap the first talk up so I could engage in more heavenly dialogue with the second brother. So, I excused myself from the first guy, who totally understood and went to talk to the brother who had been patiently waiting. When I greeted him, his deep theological question was, “Did you see the game yesterday?” I thought it was hilarious.

I’ve confessed to you over and over that I love college football and left unchecked would let it ruin my life. This past Saturday, #1 Texas played #3 Ohio State in Columbus. The game was on at noon. Of course, I wanted to watch it. But, it was a beautiful day and I had 2 really squirrely grandsons with me who demand a lot of attention and I knew that the combination of their 3-second attention spans and my intense watching of a game would not be good. I’ve learned that it is better for me, to record a game, wait until I know the outcome, and then if the outcome is to my liking, I can watch it. If not, I can spare myself the angst of what would feel like driving through Death Valley in a black school bus without air conditioning.

So, Saturday afternoon I was playing with my grandsons and not watching the game. However, I would periodically check my phone for updates. Upon learning that my Buckeyes had won, I could now dare to watch the recording at a later time without living and dying on every play.

In our text for this coming Sunday, (Luke 13:31-35), some Pharisees try to frighten Jesus with a serious threat from Herod. His response completely throws them off. His blood pressure does not rise and he is not troubled. God cannot panic. His confidence in his plan is the grounding for his promises. Being omniscient means, he knows everything and will never be surprised by information. Being omnipresent means, he is everywhere at the same time and is not frustrated by not being able to get to your problem in time. Being omnipotent means, he is all powerful and is unstoppable. Therefore, the plan of God will not be sidetracked and his promised outcome is guaranteed. A threat even from an earthly king is meaningless when made against the real King.

In that sense the Bible gives us a recording of the entire game. We know the outcome and we know who wins and who loses. We really do know that “Jesus shall reign where e’er the sun, doth it’s successful journey run.” Therefore, you and I can live without panic. Our God reigns, so we win. If only I can remember that the rest of the football season.

Grace and peace,

Bob

Sunday’s text: Luke 13:31-35