14 Dec, 2007
Vick said he accepted responsibility for his actions, but U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson said he wasn't so sure.
"I'm not convinced you've fully accepted responsibility," Hudson told Vick, who arrived in court wearing the black-and-white striped prison uniform he was issued when he voluntarily surrendered Nov. 19 to begin serving his sentence early.
Despite the early surrender, a public apology and participation in an animal sensitivity training course, Vick was denied an "acceptance of responsibility" credit that would have reduced his sentence. Federal prosecutors opposed awarding Vick the credit.
Dogs that did not perform up to expectations were killed by electrocution, hanging, drowning and other violent means by the dogfighting ring. Hudson said evidence, including statements by the co-defendants, showed Vick was more directly involved than he admitted. Hudson also mentioned that Vick had been deceptive on a polygraph test. Though that evidence was not admissible in court, the results were discussed.
photo & story courtesy msn.foxsports.com, 12/12/07
"Less than truthful"
Numbers 32:23
23 But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.
1 John 1:8-9
8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (ESV)
This follow up story about Michael Vick going to prison for his crimes has been all over the news. Obviously, he took his selfish desires to the extreme. But what amazes me is that he must have thought he could get away with it!
Now he faces consequences which will change his life for a couple of years...it will be interesting to see if it changes him for the rest of his life?
Even at his sentencing, the judge reminded Vick that he seemed "less than truthful".
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the consequences of being "less than truthful"?
Be honest. What were you thinking the last time when you thought you could get away with a little sin? What happened? Do you think you still might get caught some day? And how often do we rationalize that it's no big deal to be "less than truthful".
Moses, the author of Numbers, gets right to the point doesn't he? We can be sure that our sins will find us out. Often, our sin is discovered because we're arrogant and think that we're invincible. Even if we're not caught, or if others don't find out, we must remember that the Lord knows our sin. Sin will always affect us in some way. There are always consequences. We are responsible.
Thankfully, we have a loving God who has graciously taken on the responsibility for our forgiveness. When His Son, Jesus, died on the cross, He made it possible for us to always have our accounts cleaned up.
We can't get away with it, but Jesus died for it. That's God's grace.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God that His Holy Spirit makes you aware of your sin. Claim 1st John 1:9 right now for any sin that is "finding you out". Thank Jesus for His complete forgiveness and ask Him to help you make choices every day that will honor and please Him.
- Whenever you see a NFL football game or the next time you pet a dog, remember that no one gets away with anything forever.
How can you connect today's story, God's Story scripture and your story to others?
- Use today's story about Michael Vick going to prison for his crimes as a way to talk to others in your storysphere (your circle of influence) about the consequences each of us face for our sins. Listen to your friends' perspective. Be honest about your own sins. Share how you found forgivness and hope because Jesus died and rose again so that you wouldn't have to face the eternal consequences of sin.
- Use this DAILYBIDE as a topic for discussion with your small group or youth group or forward it to a friend.
- You probably know someone who is trying to get away with sin. Don't use this DAILYBIDE to judge them or preach at them. Instead, be an example of God's grace as you figure out ways to care and show them unconditional love. They just might open up and talk to you, because Jesus will help them see that He cares and forgives through your example.
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