The see-saw battle between the Patriots and the Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII came down to one play with 0:09 left in the game and the score knotted at 29. Patriots place kicker Adam Vinatieri came onto the field to try a 41-yard field goal to win the game. Earlier in the game he had missed a 31-yard chip shot and had another attempt blocked. Vinatieri was given an opportunity to redeem himself and this time he was right on target, giving the Patriots their second Super Bowl victory in three years.

In sports we may be given opportunities to redeem ourselves from our mistakes, like Adam Vinatieri. Sometimes we may get redemption through a teammate who steps up and cancels out our poor performance. It is a great feeling when we redeem ourselves or a teammate from a slip-up in competition.

However, when it comes to our slip-ups in life, we are powerless to redeem ourselves or anyone else from the consequences of sin. Redemption is found only through the blood of Jesus Christ. I encourage you to put your trust in Christ to redeem you from the eternal punishment that our sins demand.