It is the first day in which a high school senior can sign a binding Letter of Intent to play football in college. After months and sometimes years of recruiting, the hype and drama culminate on this day as millions of deeply devoted college football fans tune in to learn which athletes have officially committed to their school. 
You see, my youngest son, David, is part of the hype and drama. MaxPreps (CBS Sports) lists him as the #9 rated pro-style quarterback in the nation and most scouting services project him as a high draft pick in the Major League Baseball draft this June. On February 1st, he joyfully signed his letter of intent to attend and play football and baseball for what we affectionately call, “The U.”
To both my wife’s and David’s chagrin, however, I must admit I have gotten caught up a bit in all the hype. There are at least a dozen fan-based websites devoted to University of Miami athletics and dozens more dealing with the MLB draft. Let me just say that few articles or discussion boards where my son is mentioned go by without coming to my attention. And what is a father to do when uninformed misanthropes talk about your son—sometimes with disparaging remarks?
Well, in the way of a confession, I cleverly disguised my name and relationship to David so that I could respond in anonymity to a few knuckle-headed bloggers and fans.
Using my highly developed skills in sarcasm and derision, I did my best to set those misanthropes in their places. Then, and this is where I blew it, I proudly showed my wife and son some of the blog posts and comments (without revealing my cleverly disguised message-board name), confident they would be pleased how a total stranger was coming to his defense.
To my great surprise, however, they were able to determine each and every one of my blog-post replies despite my cleverly disguised name. Then, as if scripted from a movie, they both slowly turned and looked at me with an eye-narrowing “what is wrong with you” glare. “What?” I answered, trying in vain to look innocent.
After a brief discussion where my wife and son questioned various degrees of my intelligence, a beautiful moment took place which I will long cherish. David put his hand on my shoulder, looked me in the eyes with unquestioning love and said, “Dad, it’s ok, I can take it.“
have often wondered what Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus must have gone through hearing all the “uninformed strangers” talk about his son. The Bible gives us very little information about Joseph. The last reference is in Luke chapter two when Joseph and Mary were desperately trying to find Jesus after the Feast of the Passover. They finally found him in the Temple where a beautiful description of Christ’s humility and love for his parents takes place. The passage simply reads, “Then he [Jesus] went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them.”
It is commonly suggested that Joseph died during the “quiet years” of Jesus’ life. For several reasons, I tend to go along with this suggestion. We dads, you see, are quick to come to the defense of our children. We want to protect them, guard them, and come to their rescue when needed. I suspect it would have taken a small army of Roman soldiers to keep Joseph away from trying to come to the “rescue” of his son—as if he could—during the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.
In God’s mercy, Joseph may not have been there to witness the horrors placed on his son. But if he were, I can picture Jesus looking into Joseph’s desperate eyes and with profound love saying, “It’s ok. I can take it. It’s why I came.”
It is fitting that our theme this year for the ministry of LOGOI is getting “Back to the Bible.” Our challenge to the pastors and Bible teachers is to work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15).
To that end, we began this year with a challenge—to read entire books of the Bible in one sitting. Yes, even Genesis; all 38,267 words. (You can read about this challenge at https://logoi.org/en/resource//backtothebible1.)
Since our beginning back in the 1960’s, LOGOI’s passion has been to help pastors and leaders know and teach God’s Word. It remains our passion today. It is with great joy to remind you that your partnership helps fulfill this purpose. Each month, over 10,000 pastors and Bible teachers receive Bible training, help, and encouragement from LOGOI. Many thousands more interact with us via our Bible resource center at logoi.org. What a joy and privilege it is to serve the Bride of Christ. Thank you for your prayers and partnership. We thank the Lord for you!
Forever,
Ed Thompson
Please send a copy of my/our 2011 contribution information for tax purposes.