Unfortunately the 2006 football World Cup final is not remembered for stunning goals, great team work or individual talent. The highlight of that match was Zinedine Zidane head-butting Marco Materazzi in the chest. Playing his last match for his country, Zidane should have had one of his finest moments. Yet in the 110th minute, Zidane was red-carded for his actions.

The clash between Zidane and Materazzi mirrors something in our own lives that causes us to hurt ourselves and others. The Bible calls this sin. It’s our natural instinct which says, “Shove off God. I’m in charge, not You.” We ignore Him completely. God describes this human state when He says, “There is none righteous [right with God], no, not one” (Romans 3:10).

No one is right before God. We each make ourselves king instead of God, and in our selfishness, harm those around us. The whole world suffers from this condition.

Zidane’s career was one of the best, but it had a sad end. We don’t need to come to a sad end. God has provided a way for us to come to Him. Sin ruins everything and affects every bit of our lives. As we see its effect, it should cause us to turn to God and genuinely say we are sorry. He forgives!

God’s Word shows us that we are sinful, and that Jesus has paid the penalty for that sin.

Author

Chris Wale

Topics

Our Daily Bread