Sunday sermon: Fabric and faith

Oct 9, 2011, 9:32 AM

Our lesson this morning comes from The Second Book of Kings. Elijah the prophet, and one of my favorite folks in the Bible (see FIrst Kings 18) is walking along the riverside with his sidekick, Elisha. Suddenly Elijah is carried away, leaving Elisha with nothing but Elijah's cloak.

Confused, and a bit uneasy by this sudden turn of events, Elisha clasps the cloak and cries, "Where now is the Lord, Elijah?" He then smacks the water with the cloak, and God parts the waters, allowing Elisha to cross safely.

Time to smite some turtles, Cole!

Yesterday, we all were hoping to see Cole Stoudt play in the second half of a butt-cutting of BC ... but not like this.

Not like this.

As Tahj Boyd was wheeled away, not by the chariots and horsemen of Israel but a medi-wagon in the third quater of our game, 80,000 fans met Elisha.

And the faithful were treated to proof -- undeniable, faith-affirming truth -- that the Sons of Clemson have indeed laid to rest the demons of days past.

You want the perfect time to implode, to revert to old ways, to seek a way back to Egypt and bondage? You had it yesterday afternoon. The linchpin of our offense lay crumpled on the field, unable to stand. Taking his place is a young man who's only experience in battle came in mop-up duty weeks before.

To compound matters, BC marched (for there is no better way to put it) down the throat of our defense to score a TD.

Where now is the power of the Lord, Elijah?

The power rests in the hands that picked up that fallen cloak, wrapped it around his shoulders and led the Sons of Clemson back down the field. It rests in the hearts of those who believe that Clemson's strength lies in many, not in one.

It rests in the those who believe that we weren't led this far to wander and die in the wake of a freak injury.

If indeed we must march into battle behind Elisha, then let those who face us know that we are not afraid. This team feels the hand of destiny on its back, not around its throat.

Cole, remeber that a savior does not have to be a hero. Look around you and marvel at the weapons you have. They are here for you, just as you are here for them.

Together, there are no obstacles, no demons that can stop you.

Pick up the cloak before you and wear it with confidence. And, as in the Book of Habakkuk, watch and be amazed. Behold the works in your days things you would not believe, even if you were told.

The power comes, not in the fabric of the cloth, but the sure faith of the heart.

Step forward into destiny.