The 2023 NFL season begins next week, and of course, we wonder which teams will be the best this year and who will ultimately win the Super Bowl. Could this be the year the 49ers or Chargers get it done with their talented rosters? Are the Jets going to live up to the hype? Can the Seahawks take another big step forward? Can the Dolphins remain healthy enough? Will the Bills and Bengals put it all together? As good as those teams should be, the two teams from last year’s Super Bowl remain the favorites to get back there. The Chiefs are the reigning champs and return the core of their team, while the Eagles and Jalen Hurts are expected to continue the elite level of play they demonstrated last year. Neither team will sneak up on anybody, as they will get every opponent’s best each week. In other words, both teams have a target on their back heading into a new season. The Chiefs are especially the hunted, and everyone knows the greatness they represent as the reigning Super Bowl winner. Meanwhile, the Eagles are on everyone’s radar as they’ve added weapons on offense through trades and free agency and beefed up their defense through the draft. Opposing teams know what the Chiefs and Eagles are capable of. They'll want to take them down and circle that matchup on the schedule. For both the Eagles and Chiefs this year, they can’t let their guard down, take any teams lightly, overlook any opponent, or think this season will be easy. Everyone is coming to get them and keeping an eye on them to see how they handle having a target on their backs. As followers of Jesus, we find ourselves in a similar situation because we also have opponents chasing after us and an enemy trying to take us down. 2 Timothy 3:12 (AMP) tells us, “Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be hunted and persecuted .” Jesus tells us in John 10:10 (Part 1; ESV), “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” When we walk in the light and choose Holy victorious lives that are committed to representing God’s greatness, we’ll have a target on our back, be hunted, and experience attacks. Our opponent knows what we’re capable of with God’s power and is out to get us while attempting to shut us down. It isn’t easy when it comes to the battles we face against the devil. That’s why we can’t let our guard down, can’t take evil lightly, or overlook the opposition we’re up against. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (AMP) encourages us to, “Be sober , be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion , seeking someone to devour. But resist him, be firm in your faith , knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. ” Even though as followers of Jesus we live this life with a “target on our back” and challenges and temptations all around us, we’re able to persevere when we look to God for strength. We don’t have to allow the enemy to take us down. Thankfully, 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) reminds us, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” We are the hunted and in the spotlight. While people keep an eye on us to see how we’ll handle being followers of Jesus in today’s world, let’s be encouraged that He’s the One who makes us victorious over sin and death. Today and every day, let’s walk in victory and make sure we put on the whole armor of God, so we’ll be able to stand against the schemes of the devil! I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I acknowledge there’s a target on my back because of my commitment to You, but I trust in Your strength and faithfulness to help me endure the attacks from the enemy. Please help me stand firm in my faith and stand against the devil’s schemes. I praise You for the victorious life I have in Jesus. In His name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. In what ways have you recently felt a target on your back because of the attacks?
2. In what ways have you endured persecution and stood firm in the faith?
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