"It matters a great deal who is going to win, but not at all who won"
Attributes of God
God passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished.” Exodus 34:6,7How would you describe God’s character? This is God’s self-portrait. It is what the Jews call “the 13 attributes of God” – can you count 13?
Some people say that the God of the Old Testament (wrath and anger) is different from the God of love we find in the New Testament. But these verses bring together the two sides of God in a balanced picture.
God’s character is gracious, loving and forgiving. Yet if God ignored the evil in the world there would be no justice. The context of these verses is Moses receiving the law. At that time God was very much feared by the Israelites as he displayed his awesome power. Yet he is the God who wants to be in a relationship with us. And he has taken the initiative though the death of Jesus.
As you go about your business in the world of sport today, reflect on the character of the God you represent. Let him speak through you to those around you.
In a world in which God’s name is spoken so casually and unthinkingly, let use the name of God carefully remembering who He is.