A Good Winner

TITLE: A Good Winner
DATE: February 6, 2019
TEXT: Romans 5:8 ESV - But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

High School Sophomore Marek Bush wrestles for Central Valley Academy located in New York.

Since Marek is already a state champion, there aren’t many other wrestlers who can give him a run for the money. One of those fellows who can still make a match very interesting is Logan Patterson, a junior from Indian River . Early in January, the two faced off against each other.

It was an epic battle. With 30 seconds left Marek was losing. But then Logan twisted his elbow. Twisted it so badly that the rest of the match belonged to Marek. The crowd knew how it would play out, so did Marek and Logan.

At least people thought they knew what would happen. They were wrong.  

Marek came out; told Logan he was sorry about his arm and shocked the crowd by conceding the match. Marek felt his action made him look like a weakling.  Most others have disagreed. For example…

• The crowd came to its feet and applauded what they had seen.
• Marek’s dad said, ‘"It's not about winning all the time, it's about doing what's right.
• The ref said, "He's no weakling, at all..I mean, state championships come and go but that -- you can't take that away from a kid."

I’m glad it played out that way for the young wrestler-sportsman.

Good deeds, as well as good intentions, aren’t always understood so clearly. If you doubt that statement, ask the Savior. Jesus Christ. True God and man, Jesus came into this world to fight for our souls.

As He lived His life, He healed many who were sick. He told stories which gave insight into the mind of the Lord; He resisted any and every temptation, and He told anyone who would listen that they could be forgiven and saved if they had faith in Him as their Redeemer.

In spite of all the good Jesus did, there weren’t many who applauded Him and there weren’t many who said He was doing right. Instead they called Him a liar, demon-possessed, a traitor, a Samaritan and a devil. And then… and then they crucified Him.

In spite of how most of humanity felt, there was One Person Who was pleased with Jesus. Our heavenly Father, the Originator of the salvation plan, approved of His Son’s work and on the third day after His crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead., It was an action which says to all: In Christ there is salvation.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, may I always see You clearly as my One and Only Hope for forgiveness and eternal life. Seeing Your grace may I always sing Your praises. In Your Name I pray. Amen. 

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written by Steve Hartman on January 22, 2019 for CBSNEWS.IMC. Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/good-news/why-a-champion-high-school-wrestler-surrendered-a-match-he-could-have-won/ar-BBSrkij

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers