By Doug Redford
During the spring of 2019, a man named James Holzhauer became quite a celebrity on the TV show Jeopardy, earning over two million dollars by winning on 32 episodes of the show. Holzhauer (a professional sports gambler) was known for his elaborate wagers whenever he hit a “Daily Double”; and if he wagered all his earnings to that point in the game, he would make a motion with his hands, palms open, moving them forward to say, “all of it.” Holzhauer’s prowess on Jeopardy earned him the nickname “Jeopardy James.”
The words “all of it” describe what a life of faith in God should look like. We could apply them to those individuals mentioned in the Bible’s faith chapter, Hebrews 11. Think of them as making the same gesture as Holzhauer, only moving their hands upward, giving everything to God. For some who walked the path of faith, their journey included participating in some amazing events (note Hebrews 11:33-35a). Other faith-walkers, however, traveled a much different route; their experience of living by faith led them into “Daily Trouble” (vv. 35b-38). Often they found themselves in “double jeopardy.”
For Jesus, the words “all of it” apply as well, with singular importance. The writer of Hebrews highlights Jesus’ sacrifice for the sins of humanity as a “once for all” offering (Hebrews 7:27; 9:12, 26; 10:10) that was good “for all time” (10:12). That sacrifice was a full payment of sin’s penalty for all people everywhere in every era of history; no one was excluded. For Jesus, “all of it” required hands that were stretched outward, to his right and left, with nails fastening them to the cross.
As we partake of Communion together, think about those words “all of it.” Give thanks that you are part of the “all” for whom Jesus died and that “all” of your sins have been forgiven through his sacrifice. Think of the “all” as including your brothers and sisters in this congregation and also in other parts of the world, many of whom are in great jeopardy because of their choice to follow Jesus. Think of the “all” who still need to hear about Jesus’ love. And, whether you raise your outstretched hands toward heaven or not, consider what giving “all of it” in the Lord’s service can mean for you in the coming week.
Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities come.
Very uplifting