for 1 SEP 07: RESCUE ME
(BLOGGER'S NOTE: You may find this item humorous, serious, or a little of both - but we offer these thoughts from time to time, as we keep a seventh-day Sabbath.)
If there was any hopeful news about Michael Vick this past week, it was the footballer-turned-felon telling reporters he's "found Jesus." But the bad news was, Vick suddenly couldn't find the Tom Joyner Morning Show....
I heard from one man this week who thought Michael Vick's public statement was.... well, I thought it was made in Virginia, but this man declared it was in-Sincere.
"They never mean it," this man declared about people who say they "find religion" either behind bars or close to them. That seems like broad-brush painting to me - but I've heard similar comments from the wives of church pastors. Maybe they've seen prisoners with Bible covers "sharper than a two-edged sword."
Since Michael Vick claimed to have found Jesus, I was struck by another comment he made during his public apology. The suspended Atlanta Falcon said: "I will redeem myself. I have to." This sounds more like a football player than a deep-down Christian - but then again, football is known for rookie mistakes at times.
Believers in God should realize public sins are NOT like throwing an interception in football. The quarterback can make up for his mistake, with a big play on the next drive. In the "real world," that's not always possible. And in one current death penalty appeal, the Columbus Fraternal Order of Police wants to make sure it's not possible.
So if you can't redeem yourself, what do you do? You call on someone else to redeem you. This concept should be pretty easy to understand. The "My Coke Rewards" points would have disappeared, if I hadn't redeemed them a few weeks ago.
When it comes to our mistakes and sins, God provides a redeemer - and that person happens to be the same person Michael Vick is finding. The book of Hebrews says Jesus has obtained "eternal redemption for us." Eternal?! That's far longer than the deadline for S&H green stamps....
Jesus redeemed us by shedding His blood, and dying for our sins. If you're not familiar with this, I suggest reading through the book of Hebrews this weekend. You may find you need redemption, too - and it's better to find that redemption now, than discovering you need it after a sentencing hearing.
SCHEDULED SUNDAY: A lockdown at the most unlikely school in town....
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