UNPACK this…For NFL FansSample

“The Helmet Catch”

One of the most spectacular plays in NFL history happened during the final two minutes of Super Bowl XLII when New York Giants QB, Eli Manning, slipped away from New England's defense and threw a 32-yard pass to David Tyree.

On 3rd down the Giants were losing 14-10 to the undefeated Patriots when Tyree made an astonishing catch by somehow hanging onto the football. He pinned it against his helmet to hold it secure while Patriots’ safety, Rodney Harrison, tightly guarded him and tackled him to the ground. Miraculously, the ball stuck with the receiver and kept the drive alive. A few plays later, the Giants scored a touchdown and won the Super Bowl.

Tyree’s extraordinary ability to finish the catch is something we can be encouraged by in our own lives. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, it’s an incredible reception when you consider how unworthy we are to catch the grace that God throws our way. Just as David Tyree not only had to initially catch the ball, but cling tightly to it until the play was completed, we must also hold firmly to the message and truth we’ve been given about Jesus.

Colossians 2:6-7 tells us, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Once Tyree made the reception, the team was strengthened by the catch and able to continue their drive. Today, let’s be strengthened by the power, truth, and faith we’ve received.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus and thank you for giving me salvation through Him. I pray my life would reflect what I’ve received. Please continue to provide the strength and faith that I need. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.