LEAD BLOCKER

I love watching football, even though I am terrible at playing the game. Great teams have great blocking! A lead blocker, stopping or altering the direction of the tackler(s), the opposition; often generates the best runs.

Can you imagine an All-American running back receiving a handoff with no lineman blocking? Regardless of their phenomenal ability, advancing to the line of scrimmage would be nearly impossible.

Additionally, those who consistently pile up impressive rushing statistics are exceptional at reading and following blocks.

Do we benefit from a lead blocker in life? I believe we do benefit, moreover without a lead blocker we too fail miserably.

Roughly 4,000 years ago, 2000 B.C., Job lived in the Land of Uz. This is located southeast of the Dead Sea, in the region of northern Arabia. Job was extremely wealthy! However, God limited his protection, and ‘lead blocking’ for Job. Immediately Job’s family and wealth disappeared. Then God removed all ‘lead blocking’ for Job, except preserving his life. Instantaneously, Job lost his health in addition to his family and wealth. Even his friends turned against him.

Job refused to speak against the Lord, his 'lead blocker!'

Later God returned to ‘lead blocking’ for Job. Job following his blocker, prayed for his friends; God then blessed Job with twice the livestock as before and gave him another ten children.

Job, a man who: Job 1:1 “was blameless and upright,” fearing God and shunning evil; needed our Lord as a ‘lead blocker’ in life. Would you agree we also greatly benefit from God as our ‘lead blocker?' God poignantly instructs us that he is a jealous God. He deeply desires our recognition and gratitude for His ‘lead blocking’ in our lives.

Would a Heisman trophy winner be foolish to ignore his blockers? Ignoring God would be exponentially more foolish than the running back saying, “I can do this on my own!”

As you watch football this fall, ask: "Who is my ‘lead blocker’?" As you listen and read of running backs giving credit to their blockers; remember to give credit to your ‘lead blocker’; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Make it a Great Day in Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
Rick Meyer Speaking