The stage is now set for Super Bowl LIII. The New England Patriots will return for yet another appearance in this football finale facing the Los Angeles Rams who haven’t been to the big game since 1979. The best team in the NFL will be decided next Sunday night in Atlanta as millions tune in all over the world.
This year’s game brings back memories of former contests where key players rose to heroic proportions making incredible plays and securing victories for their teams. Over the years, many individuals have risen up and highlight reels of past games reveals amazing athleticism, ingenious plays, and some considerable luck.
No visit to NFL highlights would be complete without last year’s playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints. With only ten seconds left and down by one point, the Vikings had impossible yardage to cover. A field goal would win it but at their own 39 yard line, they were way out of range for even a slim chance. Even a big gain would require more time than was left and rob them of a chance of then kicking for the win.
With nothing to lose and no hope of winning, the Vikings quarterback, Case Keenum, threw a simple 27 yard pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Although it was a significant gain, it was still 34 yards short of the goal line and all the Saints defenders had to do was tackle him. Time would expire and the Saints would advance to compete for the privilege of playing in Super Bowl LII. Somehow they didn’t make that tackle and Diggs ran into the end zone for the score, the win, and what has become known since as the Minneapolis Miracle.
Few games are decided on the final play, fewer still from that many yards out especially in the absence of a Hail Mary pass. It this situation, no one gave Minnesota any hope and all their options were gone. Amazingly, they made the play that took them to the next level where they were eliminated by the Philadelphia Eagles who went on to win the Super Bowl. Nevertheless, Diggs’ catch and run will continue to be celebrated by Vikings fans for years to come.
This miraculous play leading up the Super Bowl reminds me of an even bigger play many years earlier. In a garden just outside Jerusalem, the game was already over. Life had lost and death had won as Jesus had been crucified and buried. Time had expired along with all hope of Him making a last minute comeback.
As He hung on the cross, mockers taunted Him to come down if He were really the Messiah. Even a criminal crucified with Him jeered by saying, “If you’re the Christ, save yourself and us.” Although the Bible doesn’t tell us, I’m sure His disciples were desperately praying for some last ditch comeback where Jesus would, in fact, flex His miracle muscle, descend from the cross and usher in His kingdom. When that didn’t happen, their hopes were crushed as His life’s clock hit zero and He was laid in the tomb.
Thankfully, God engineered the most amazing comeback ever. Early on the third day when every earthly possibility of life was gone, Jesus rose from that grave and stole victory from the jaws of death! He came out of that tomb and even though everyone had long left the stadium, He personally appeared to His disciples as well as to over 500 people at one time!
As we prepare our snacks for the Big Game next Sunday night and remember various football highlights, let us remember the greatest comeback miracle of all. When everyone counted Him out and the game was over, He returned for the most ultimate victory ever. This reminds us that neither humans nor the devil hold earth’s timeclock and that only God blows the final whistle.
If you are going through some difficulty right now, remember it’s not over till it’s over and only God knows when that is. Remember that even when all seems lost, if God is able to raise the dead, He’s able to work in your situation also. Look to Him, invite Him to work, and expect His victory!
Enjoy the Game, George