Unpack This...Playing In The Super BowlSample

Time To Punt

The New England Patriots outmatched the LA Rams 13-3 in Super Bowl LIII - the lowest-scoring Super Bowl in NFL history!

Some fans may have enjoyed the defensive battle, but this lackluster game turned out to be a punting duel. Despite both teams having strong offenses, they couldn't get much going and the punters were frequently sent onto the field.

Tom Brady didn’t have a standout game, but Ryan Allen was showcased on this biggest stage in sports. Allen punted a great game by pinning the Rams back on the 6, 2, and 7-yard lines.

Normally, punts don’t warrant excitement or attention because they mean the offense’s drive has ended. After three downs of failing, teams decide to punt when their offense isn’t going anywhere.

Just as we don’t cheer for a Super Bowl filled with punting, we don’t like choosing to punt in our own lives because it represents having to surrender.

Oftentimes, we’re stubborn and keep doing things our own way even though we’re failing “down after down.” The reality is, there are times when life isn’t going anywhere, and we simply need to punt. Instead of choosing our selfish ways and engaging in sin, we need to repent, turn from our sin, and punt!

Romans 2:5-8 gives us a clear picture of this: “But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

“He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers.

“But He will pour out His anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness.”

It’s hard to admit that we’re living for ourselves, but when we punt and daily surrender to Jesus, He forgives, restores, leads, and transforms us.

Today, let’s choose to experience His grace, glory, honor, and eternal life. Let’s stop being stubborn by embracing the punt!

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for being stuck in my ways. Help me let go and live for You and in Your strength. Thank you for Your grace through Jesus. It’s in His name I pray, Amen.