UNPACK This...Super Bowl LVIIISample

The Chiefs Were Offside

One of the most exciting games involving the Kansas City Chiefs on their way to the Super Bowl was their regular season matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

With 1:25 left in the 4th, the Chiefs had the ball down 17-20, needing 49 yards for a touchdown.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw the ball to Travis Kelce, who quickly threw it five yards backward to Kadarius Toney, who then ran 25 yards for the touchdown.

It was a thrilling play until everyone realized there was a flag. Toney was penalized for being offside and not lining up behind the ball.

Unfortunately, Toney didn’t appear to look at the ref to make sure he was where he needed to be before the snap. Toney could have been a hero for scoring a touchdown on the play, but instead, he cost his team by not making sure he was properly aligned.

It’s too bad such an avoidable penalty overshadowed the game, but I believe there’s an important parallel for us to consider when it comes to our own lives.

Here are some questions for us to consider today:

Do we desire to be aligned with God’s will?

Are we looking to God to make sure we’re lined up properly?

Do we know God’s Word so we can discern if we’re crossing the line?

Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

God is willing to give us “alignment advice” when we look to Him. He doesn’t want us to cross the line into sin but to remain where we need to be – right in His will.

So today, let’s avoid being “offside” and properly align ourselves with God and His Word as we ask Him to, “Guide my steps by Your Word, so I will not be overcome by evil” (Psalm 119:133).

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to do Your will and remain in proper alignment with You. I pray that I will continue to know Your Word more and follow wherever You guide me. Help me not to cross the line or try and get ahead of You in any way. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.