The spiritual analogies are exploding in my brain like popcorn. But this “fourth-quarter/overtime” winning phenomenon is shouting for attention. A survey of God’s men of faith reveals they were “4th quarter” winners. Moses’ faith was rewarded in the 4th quarter parting of the Red Sea ; Abraham received God’s overtime promise when there was no possibility of natural conception; Daniel astonished the king with an overtime deliverance from hungry lions.
On the other end of faith, however, was King Saul, an impatient man who lost in the 4th quarter. Unwilling to wait until Samuel arrived, he gave in to the fear of man, losing not only Samuel’s blessing but the kingdom itself. My friends, does it feel you like you are in the 4th quarter? Moreover, are we not all living in the 4th quarter of Time? Do we have 4th quarter faith? Could this need for 4th quarter faith be what Jesus spoke of when he asked, “when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8)
Good morning Dr. Greg,
ReplyDeleteyou mentioned Moses' 4th quarter win at the Red Sea. But what of his 4th Quarter loss, as a result of an outburst (striking the rock rather than declaring something) that robbed God of some glory. Because of Moses' display of anger (that may have caused some to believe something magical about the staff) caused Moses to not be allowed to enter the promised land. He could see, but not experience.
Faith that is displayed as a constant and consistent growth pattern has value. To steal the title from Eugene Peterson's book about the Psalms of ascent,"A long obedience in the same direction," demonstrates a kind of faithfulness rarely found in today's western culture. How often are the marriages that last 50 plus years? There are special things of value in relationships that last that long. Ditto for a long and obedient relationship in the same direction with God.
Godspeed! Larry Q