3 Dec, 2007
For all of the No. 21 jerseys, twirling white towels and handwritten signs in the stands Sunday, for all of the red-and-yellow flowers and burning candles at a makeshift memorial outside the stadium, for all of the pregame tributes to the Pro Bowl safety, the most stark reminder of Taylor's plight came when the Washington Redskins lined up on defense for the first time since he was killed.
Instead of 11 Redskins on the field, as rules allow, there were 10.
When the visiting Buffalo Bills prepared to run their first play on offense midway through the opening quarter, the man who replaced Taylor in Washington's lineup, Redd Doughty, stood near coaches on the sideline. After watching while Bills running back Fred Jackson gained 22 yards, Doughty entered for the next play - and made the tackle.
The 24-year-old Taylor died Tuesday, a day after being shot at his home in Florida during a burglary; four men have been charged. The shock has yet to dissipate for Taylor's teammates and the Redskins' fans, and the grieving process continued on game day.
photo courtesy images.google.com & story foxsports.com, 12/2/07
Killed by a thief
John 10:10-11
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (ESV)
What does Jesus, the "Good Shepherd", offer us?
Our enemy, Satan, is like a thief who is out to steal from us. Not only does he want to keep us from the eternal life that God offers us through Christ, but Satan wants to destroy our daily lives. He wants to keep us away from the "Good Shepherd". This deceiving "thief" attempts to take our hearts. He does everything to get us to wander away from Jesus. This evil one will con us into believing that this world can provide a satisfying life.
Only Jesus can give us the abundant life...now...and forever.
Thieves came to steal from Sean Taylor and they took his life.
Who has your life?
How can we connect today's God's Story to our lives?
- If you are not yet a follower of Jesus Christ, please know that the "Good Shepherd" is offering you life now and forever. Jesus gave His life on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins and rose from the dead to prove that He will forgive you and take you to Heaven some day. Simply pray to Jesus right now and ask Him to forgive you and take over your life. (If this is you, please email us at www.3story.org so that we can encourage you and pray for you and send you some resources that will help you grow in your new relationship with God.
- If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, thank Him right now for being your "Shepherd". Ask Him to protect you from the "thief" and give you the faith to follow Him obediently every day.
- Make a written list of how you let the enemy steal from you and then write out a prayer of commitment to stay close to Jesus, the "Good Shepherd".
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
Talk with your friends about the tragic ending to Sean Taylor's life. Use this as an opportunity to be real. Trust Jesus to give you the courage, sensitivity and words to share more of your story....the truth about how sometimes you let the "thief" rob you of what Jesus wants for you.
- February 2012 [5]
- January 2012 [18]
- December 2011 [20]
- November 2011 [15]
- October 2011 [15]
- September 2011 [14]
- August 2011 [22]
- July 2011 [19]
- June 2011 [21]
- May 2011 [20]
- April 2011 [20]
- March 2011 [21]
- February 2011 [20]
- January 2011 [21]
- December 2010 [21]
- November 2010 [21]
- October 2010 [21]
- September 2010 [22]
- August 2010 [21]
- July 2010 [22]
- June 2010 [20]
- May 2010 [18]
- April 2010 [21]
- March 2010 [23]
- February 2010 [19]
- January 2010 [22]
- December 2009 [22]
- November 2009 [21]
- October 2009 [22]
- September 2009 [21]
- August 2009 [20]
- July 2009 [21]
- June 2009 [22]
- May 2009 [18]
- April 2009 [15]
- March 2009 [7]
- February 2009 [17]
- January 2009 [20]
- December 2008 [23]
- November 2008 [19]
- October 2008 [22]
- September 2008 [22]
- August 2008 [19]
- July 2008 [22]
- June 2008 [11]
- May 2008 [19]
- April 2008 [22]
- March 2008 [21]
- February 2008 [18]
- January 2008 [20]
- December 2007 [18]
- November 2007 [15]
- October 2007 [19]
- September 2007 [18]
- August 2007 [12]
- July 2007 [12]
- June 2007 [9]
- May 2007 [11]
- April 2007 [10]
- March 2007 [11]
- February 2007 [14]
- January 2007 [7]
- December 2006 [4]
- November 2006 [13]
- October 2006 [17]
- September 2006 [11]
- August 2006 [16]
- July 2006 [10]
- June 2006 [3]
