Sunday Sermon: Returning from the wilderness

Oct 5, 2014, 8:28 AM

I don't cite Luke very often for my sermons. He's usually pretty dry, and I prefer evisceration and such for my scripture.

But I think the good doctor is perfect for what I think could be a perfect time to be a Son of Clemson ... when the Tigers return from the wilderness:

For those who were sleeping in Sunday School: Jesus was sent into the Wilderness for a period of soul-searching. While there, he was subject to temptation and had to dig deep within himself to fend off the weaknesses of humanity.

Fellow Tigers, the early losses to UGA and FSU spun us out into the wilderness as well. 1-2, people decrying us, raising the old "Clemsoning" banner ... it was tempting to surrender to frustration and doubt. Many did, as befits the human condition.

But a faithful remnant remained true, trusting what was, rather than what appeared to be. We knew the strength, the mettle of our young men and .. while we hurt with them, we never turned away.

Saturday, the Sons of Clemson returned from the wasteland, answering every doubt with rock-solid certainty.

Clemson ... the REAL Clemson, the one that foes in the ACC once whispered about in fear behind closed doors ... has returned.

And God help those in our path.

The first total defensive destruction in years. An offense that moved the ball at ease on both land and air. A knowledge, rather than a hope, what everything was going to work out for the best ... it was all tied up in a nice neat package on Saturday, wrapped in the entrails of of a hopelessly outmatch foe.

And it will not be the last time.

This team has returned from the wilderness, and they've come back hungry. Hungry for the blood of those in our path. Hungry for the respect that others would still try to deny them.

Hungry to prove just how good they can be.

I, for one, look forward to seeing where that hunger takes them. I decline to look back and say "If only, if only..." There's no profit to be taken in reading last month's stock pages. Only frustration.

Instead, I will stand with the Sons of Clemson on the edge of the adventure that lies ahead. I will catch myself looking to the horizon ... and smiling.

Better days ahead, Tigers!