Silence, groans and hushed voices are just a few signs of losing. Meanwhile, body language slumps, slows down and expresses defeat without a word. On Sunday evening, around 9:45 pm Eastern Standard Time, the sound of defeat will visit one sideline after the final seconds tick off the clock in Super Bowl XLVIII. As confetti falls, cameras flash and reporters get their microphones ready to interview the champions, the loser will slip away in obscurity, pondering what might have been.
In the arena of life, the sound of defeat is less subtle. Sure, there will always be Debbie downers and depressed Davids, yet most will hide their emotions until no one is around or only their family is in view. However, in sports, the agony of defeat occurs under a microscope, often with life shattering results. Skip Dillard went to prison because he missed 1 free throw in an NCAA Basketball Tournament Game as a star for the Depaul Blue Demons. Tonya Harding turned to thuggery in an attempt to win an Olympic Gold medal in figure skating. Finally, Donavon McNabb, upchucked as the closing moments of the Super Bowl got too big for him, beyond what he could handle.
In biblical times, there was a different sound heard by Joshua and Moses as each had their own suspicion. From afar, Joshua heard what sounded like the sound of war in Exodus 32:17. Stepping in like a Jedi Knight, playing a similar role to Yoda, Moses corrects this young rising star, “It’s not the sound of victory, it’s the sound of defeat;” Exodus 32:18.” Perhaps Moses understood the concept of 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, with 1 winner and multiple losers. Therefore, instead of resting in a pit of despair, pick your head up out of the gutter and focus on a crown that will last forever so that the sound of defeat doesn’t cripple your soul for a lifetime.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 