What Is Revealed?

We are 13 weeks into the NFL season, with plenty of marquee matchups on the horizon and teams still fighting for playoff spots. But at this point in the season, what have teams revealed about themselves?

• The Chiefs have revealed that their defense can’t put enough pressure on the quarterback, ranking 27th in the NFL with only 22 sacks on the season.

  
  

• The Steelers have revealed that Aaron Rodgers isn’t the answer at quarterback.

  
  

• The 49ers have revealed that it doesn’t matter who they have out there at wide receiver; they can win games.

  
  

•  The Packers have revealed they are as good as anyone when Micah Parsons and the defense rush the passer, and when Jordan Love throws touchdowns without turning the ball over.

  
  

• The Ravens have revealed once again that we should never count them out after a slow start to the season.

• The Commanders have revealed they can't win without Jayden Daniels at quarterback.

  
  

• The Jaguars and Bears have revealed that they have hired the right head coaches, Liam Coen and Ben Johnson.

These are some of the main things revealed this season, and regardless of the predictions we make or the narratives created in the media, once the games kick off, the truth about players, teams, and coaches is revealed.

Coaches have the opportunity to reveal their game plan, we see players' mistakes exposed, and the team's character is demonstrated.  

The best players stand out, and coaches who make good adjustments are on full display. As we watch the games, we discover which teams are for real and have a chance to make a deep playoff run, and which ones aren't ready.

As we think about the revealing that takes place each week in the NFL and what has become clear through 13 weeks, I want to unpack how revealing happens in our lives.

First, God has revealed Himself to the world. We just have to look around at His creation.

Romans 1:20 (NLT) says, "For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God."

God has also revealed the truth about His character, His plan, and His love for us throughout His Word, as found in the Bible and through the life of Jesus.

1 John 4:9 (CSB) explains, "God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His one and only Son into the world so that we might live through Him."

John 1:18 (NLT) tells us, "No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is Himself God, is near to the Father's heart. He has revealed God to us."

According to Ephesians 1:9-10 (NLT), "God has now revealed to us His mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill His own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time, He will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth."

God has made it evident that through faith in His Son, Jesus, we can personally know Him, be saved from our sins, and live with Him for eternity.

The question is, does our life reveal that we believe this is true? Is it evident that we've surrendered to Jesus, and He is transforming us? Is our faith genuine and on full display? When people watch us, what do we demonstrate to them? Do we show our faith is real? What does how we live, act, and talk reveal about our hearts? 

Proverbs 27:19 (NKJV) says, "As in water face reflects face, so a man's heart reveals the man."

As we follow Jesus and spend time in God's Word, He will continue to reveal Himself to us in powerful ways, exposing the sin in our lives and the changes He wants to make in us.

Today, let's continue to seek God. When we do, He will reveal His "game plan" for us, demonstrate His love for us, and expose our need for His grace and mercy. Then, as we live by the power of the Holy Spirit, we will reveal His glory to the world, His light shining through us, and His love in action.

I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing Yourself to me so that I can know You and live with You, now and forever. Please continue to reveal Your will for my life and expose the sin that I need to repent from. Please help me demonstrate to the world that You have changed my life. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.