The Perfect Game Plan: True Rest

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Day 9

READ: Hebrews 10:21-23

Matthias Sindelar, voted as the greatest center-forward ever in the history of Austrian football, was part of the celebrated Austrian national team that enjoyed a period of unprecedented success during the 1930s, which pundits nicknamed the “Wunderteam.” Sindelar’s dazzling skills often left bewildered defenders in his wake as he waltzed his way to the goal. Equally astounding was his unyielding loyalty. As an Austrian patriot, he refused to play for Germany when his homeland was annexed and the Wunderteam disbanded in 1938. One wintry morning the following January, his lifeless body was discovered in bed. He was aged 35.

While many instinctively admire people like Sindelar who, at great personal risk, take a stand and refuse to give in to wrong, few actually take that option for themselves. “Better a live coward than a dead hero” is the life maxim of most.

People are not quite ready to pay the price for doing what is right. But let us not kid ourselves; compromising does not come cheap either. Guilt, shame, regret, and self-loathing are powerful emotions that can bring life to a standstill.

Are you feeling the weight of a troubled conscience? Then come to Jesus. His invitation to all who are weary and burdened is this: “I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). True forgiveness and restoration begin with Him who does right all the time.