I am told that early...
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I am told that early in the football game, some pro quarterbacks call a play in which they will be tackled ("sacked" is the familiar term). They do this not to lose yards, but to prepare themselves to play a better game. You see, the quarterback must often stand his ground until his receiver gets open and this means there will be 260-300 lb. lineman rushing toward him. If he lets any fear of them tackling him interrupt his concentration on his passing, he may throw off target or even fumble the ball. But, if he has already experienced a hard hit by the lineman, and gotten up to play again, he knows he can survive, even if they should get to him. Now he can concentrate on the passing he has to do.
The prophet says: "I gave my back to the smiters and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard." He has taken the worst his opponents could offer. Therefore, his tongue can form words that sustain the weary and his ear can hear and obey.
Don't look at suffering as destructive; it may be more "instructive," like that first hit a quarterback receives -- even asks for.
The prophet says: "I gave my back to the smiters and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard." He has taken the worst his opponents could offer. Therefore, his tongue can form words that sustain the weary and his ear can hear and obey.
Don't look at suffering as destructive; it may be more "instructive," like that first hit a quarterback receives -- even asks for.
