“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32a KJV)
Pick any era of modern time and you will find people debating about the authenticity of professional wrestling. The debate is centered around the question, “Is wrestling entertainment or is it a form of real combat between muscle bound men blessed with bountiful agility and an abundant supply of rapid resilience?” The short version of the argument can be shortened, “Is it fake or not?”
In my childhood days, you could not convince met that Dick the Bruiser and the Crusher were not real. There is no way on earth that you could persuade me to believe Wilber Snyder was pretending. But yet, the debate went on. In my older sons’ days, they took the same position, certain that the Macho Man and Hulk Hogan were really going at it in a ferocious fight, nothing fake about it! The debate went on. I’m sure during the kids of a new generation would debate until they had no more breath to talk, just to stay standing on their position. Oh the debate goes on. Some think the two opponents are blessed with extraordinary strength, and exceptionally quick healing from a throw down move in the ring or after being tossed out of the ring on to an unforgiving table or an un-movable concrete floor. Others, opposing that view, think it is a collaboration of orchestrated movements, amplified by harmless props. Now before you pick up a chair and look for me, I’m just saying that when it comes to wrestling stuff, there has always been and shall always be debate. I am not sharing my opinion, just shining the light on an observation that many have.
I’m going to change the focus a little bit, but stay on the topic of wresting. I’m going to move from the old sport where they have the half-nelson and the full-nelson and talk about something you may find in your Thomas Nelson Bible, distributed by one of the oldest Bible publishers in the world and the largest publisher of the King James Bible . For you see there is some wrestling that takes place and is seriously real. There should be no debate about this wresting. All believers should agree that this grappling, brawling, and struggling it is real. It’s real and we better be prepared for it. Perhaps the training below will help you win every match, starting today! Perhaps at the end of the day you will be able to sing, “I have the victory!” This is a timely word this morning, because just as wrestling used to always be shown on TV on Saturday, the day before Sunday, we always find ourselves engaged in spiritual weekend on our “free day,” which is also Saturday. So here is some Saturday wrestling stuff for you, on the day before YOU go to worship. Yes, I’m referring to Sunday! And yes, that will be tomorrow! This morning, right this moment, get ready for today’s wrestling matches. If you need help, do that tag-team thing, and reach out to touch Jesus to take over! Sure victory will follow. Nobody can out wrestle Him! Check out the “final word” below! Be blessed!
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” (Romans 6:10-18 NLT)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King