Matthew 28
June 11th Devotional
On this day in 1956 the football legend Joe Montana was born in New Eagle Pennsylvania. His family was of Italian stock and desired to find a way to acclimate to American culture. Joe's father felt the best way to adapt to a new culture was to play sports. Joe played quarterback for the Ringgold Rams and excelled. His play on the field earned him a scholarship to attend Notre Dame University. In 1977 Joe found himself third on the depth chart for quarterback but early in the season, he became the starter and never looked back. Notre Dame won the national college championship that year. Because of his play in the national championship game he was drafted in the third round, 82nd pick of the 1979 season by the San Francisco 49ers. Montana would spend 14 exceptional years for the San Francisco 49ers and would spend the last two for the Kansas City Chiefs. Montana played in 8 pro bowls, was a two-time NFL MVP, four-time super bowl champion, and three-time super bowl MVP, and holds various records still in the NFL. Joe was most noted for his ability to come from behind in the fourth quarter. Montana led 31 4th-quarter comebacks (including playoffs) earning him two iconic nicknames, Joe Cool and The comeback kid. the most famous comeback in Montana's career was in super bowl XXIII. The 49ers were playing an excellent Cincinnati Bengals team. For three quarters Joe Montana played a fantastic game but at the end of the fourth quarter the 49ers were still down 16 to 13. With three minutes and 20 seconds to go in the fourth quarter, starting on their own 8-yard line, Joe Montana surgically let his team 92 yards, completing 8 of his 9 passes. Montana finally connected with John Taylor with 34 seconds remaining in the game, sealing a 20-16 victory.
Montana was known for bringing victory from the jaws of defeat. When all seemed like it was lost Montana would give his team hope in the most dim of situations. This reminds me of another time when it seemed like all hope was gone. Jesus was crucified on a Friday, laying down his life for the sins of all mankind. Shortly thereafter he was laid in a tomb and that seemed to be the end of the story. His disciples and followers despaired thinking that all was lost. Their countenance had fallen and doubt plagued them mightily. They were ready to raise the white flag. Early on the third morning a group of women went to visit his tomb, and the Earth shook with violence. An Angelic host came and removed the stone. And Matthew chapter 28:5-6 the angel gave the message "But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay." Shortly after Jesus appeared before the women verifying that death could not hold him, that he arose victorious over the grave. Jesus brought forth victory from the jaws of defeat. When all look lost and dark Jesus shed forth hope and light. We can heartily agree with the words of Paul in 1st Corinthians Death is swallowed up in victory.” O death, where is your victory?" Death is defeated because Jesus rose and lives forever. O death, where is your sting?”
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