Carol and I have been University of Iowa fans, cheering for Hawkeye games every chance we get. We do this because Carol is a 1966 Iowa graduate, but also due to the consistent quality of their sports programs.
A basketball game this past January gave us a chance to be proud of “our boys” once again, but for more than defeating rival Northwestern. During the game, Iowa point guard Jordan Bohanan had a chance to break his college record of 34 consecutive free throws set by Chris Street in 1993. But Bohanan purposely missed the shot. Why did he do this, when his own name could have been in the U of I history books?
Bohanan did it because Chris Street had died in an auto accident the day after setting his record, and Bohanan chose to honor Street’s memory by keeping his record intact. Rather than take the limelight, Bohanan missed the shot and pointed skyward to honor the record of a fellow Hawkeye who died so young.
The Bible has similar stories that recall selfless acts of God’s people. In 2 Samuel 23, David, leading his army against the Philistines, longed for a drink from the well at Bethlehem, his hometown. Hearing this, three of his soldiers risked their lives, breaking through enemy lines to bring him water from that well. But David instead poured it out as a sacrifice to God. Why? Because he said it would be like drinking the blood of those brave men who had risked their lives for him.
In a world where people lie and cheat to get ahead, even fraudulently paying to get their unqualified children into college, it is inspiring to see the sacrifices some will make to honor others. Our deeds that show love, mercy and bravery are far greater than words of personal honor or praise.
How do our acts reflect our Lord Jesus who gave His life for us?
Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com
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