Sharing Scripture — March 2, 2024

Shelving our opinions and biases doesn’t come easy, especially when it comes to our passions. But somehow Ross Bennett did just that after being selected from the crowd to stand in as a match official following an in-game injury sustained by a referee.

Bennett did his best to call fairly, even when that meant not cheering for his favorite team after it scored the game-winning goal, propelling them to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

“I was just gutted that I couldn’t celebrate our goal,” he said during a post-match interview with the the British Broadcasting Corporation. “I had to stay neutral.”

As if taking a neutral stance isn’t hard enough, emergency backup goaltenders (EBUGs) of the National Hockey League often play for teams they don’t favor. Just two months ago, St. Louis Blues fan Joseph O’Brien stepped in as an EBUG for the Dallas Stars.

One of the most memorable NHL EBUG debuts is that of David Ayres who, despite practicing with the Toronto Maple Leafs and being employed by a Leafs’ affiliate, was called to play for the opposing Carolina Hurricanes. Ayres gathered up his own goaltending pads and helmet (EBUGs must supply most of their own equipment). Thus, while donning the Leafs’ colors, he debuted in his first and only NHL appearance as a Carolina Hurricane – facing off against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

And he won.

Ayres became an overnight sensation around the NHL, as well as a fan-favorite, and a beloved friend to the Hurricanes players.

There are times when we, like Bennett, O’Brien and Ayers, are called to causes greater than ourselves. We are called to put aside our personal preferences and our interpersonal differences in pursuit of justice and fair play.

The apostle Paul was adept at this, modeling himself after the character of Jesus. As the latest He Gets Us ad campaign “Foot Washing” (first aired during Super Bowl LVIII) showcases, Jesus cares for everyone, even across ideological divides.

As Bennett put aside his personal feelings to judge fairly, Christ simultaneously acts as our fair and just Judge (John 8:15-16, Romans 2:1-11)) and High Priest (Psalm 110:4-7). Surpassing the abilities of O’Brien and Ayres, Christ not only serves as our last line of defense against the enemy, our emergency backup sacrifice, but stands with us while we are yet still sinners (Romans 5:8). He became one of us.

Like a shepherd He fends off the threats to our well-being (John 10:11-15), even putting Himself on a cross that we may gain life through His excruciatingly painful and terrifying sacrifice (it’s just up to us to accept or decline Him as substitute). He is faithful to the end. And for these very reasons, Christ is our Hero, our King.

As His followers it is only logical that we should join Paul in emulating His character.

Sharing: What makes Christ’s reign as High Priest and Judge unique?

1. It is a true theocracy
2. He doesn’t compromise His integrity – He is consistent
3. Every person must be held accountable (no bribes!)
4. He cannot be recused despite the personal connection we all have with Him
5. I don’t know
6. Other:

Applying: How can you personally lower ideological walls without compromising core values and mission? Pray for the Holy Spirit to show you where some of your walls can be broken, allowing healing and communion to blossom between you.

~ Stefani Leeper

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