Lightning Never Strikes

LIGHTNING NEVER STRIKES the same place twice. Have you heard that before? It’s a popular saying, but it’s not true. In 2001, Mike Brown of the Chicago Bears proved that with back-to-back electrifying overtime interceptions.

In week six of the season, the Bears and the San Francisco 49ers played to a 31–31 tie. Just 16 seconds into overtime, the Bears safety returned an interception 33 yards for a touchdown and a Chicago victory.

The following week, the Bears met the Cleveland Browns. In the third quarter, Cleveland led 21–7 on a Tim Couch–to–Kevin Johnson 55-yard touchdown completion. Still trailing by 14 points with 28 seconds remaining, Chicago needed a miracle. Bears signal caller Shane Matthews cut the margin in half with a nine-yard scoring pass to Marty Booker. After the extra point, Paul Edinger booted an onside kick, and Bobbie Howard recovered for Chicago on the Cleveland 47-yard line.

On the game’s final play, Matthews lofted a desperation pass deep into the end zone. David Terrell leaped, batting the ball toward the goal. James Allen, trailing the play, grabbed the pigskin out of midair and dove into the end zone for the tying touchdown.

The Bears won the overtime toss and took the ball, but Cleveland forced a punt. Brad Maynard pinned the Browns on their own 12. Three plays later, defensive end Bryan Robinson slapped Couch’s pass into the air. Mike Brown caught the ball in stride, bolting 16 yards for the game-winning score in the 27–21 Chicago win.

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POINT Two weeks in a row, lightning—in the form of safety Mike Brown—struck the National Football League. His flashes of brilliance brought important victories to the Chicago Bears.

But one person in history totally electrified the world. Jesus Christ is the most significant person ever to walk the earth. His book—the Bible—has sold more copies than any other book. And his second return to this planet is going to be like a huge lightning storm. Jesus struck the earth once already, but lightning will strike again when he returns.

GOAL! When you view majestic lightning flashing across an inky sky, remember how Jesus powers up your life. Praise God for the glory of his Son and the fact that he will return.