98 Washed Up
Jimmy "the Juggernaught" Bronson was the world heavyweight boxing champion at only 25 years of age. He was already 27-0 in his career, all of the victories by knock-out. His advisors and trainer advised him to take an "easy" fight for his next fight. Jimmy was scheduled to fight Clint Russell, an older fighter at the end of his career.
Everyone assured Jimmy that Clint was pretty much washed up as a fighter. Jimmy was told that Clint was a former champion many years ago, but has long since lost his punching power and speed. Jimmy felt so confident against Clint that he bragged on national television that he would have Clint down on the canvas by the third round, so everyone can catch the Saturday night Lakers game in time.
When Jimmy entered the ring with much fanfare and swaggering, he was surprised to feel an overwhelming aura of intensity in the other corner. As the match started, Jimmy looked into Clint's eyes who met him with a steely gaze. Those eyes aren't that of a washed-up fighter, Jimmy thought to himself.
In the early rounds of the boxing match, Jimmy threw a flurry of combinations at will against Clint. However, Jimmy was shocked at the resilience and punching power of the older boxer. Jimmy threw everything he had at Clint, but Clint refused to go down, even though he took several clean shots to the chin. Jimmy was staggered by the few blows that Clint connected and was even knocked down once.
Jimmy wasn't able to knock out Clint in three rounds like he brashly predicted. The boxing match went the full 12 rounds. After the final bell sounded, Jimmy gratefully went back to his corner battered and exhausted and slumped on his stool. Jimmy won a split decision and retained his title, but he had been humbled in his bout against Clint. Jimmy learned a lot fighting against Clint and showed his gratitude and respect towards Clint by raising his hand in the air to the roars of appreciation by the audience in the arena.
Let there be no mistake - the Old Testament is as relevant today as it was over 2000 years ago. Jesus and the apostle Paul both taught from the Old Testament. The Old Testament upholds the New Testament, just as the New Testament sheds new light upon the Old Testament.
- Recommended reading: Joshua 8:34, Psalms 40:7, Matthew 4:4-10, Romans 15:3-4, 2 Corinthians 4:13
