God's Coaching #161

God's Coaching #161

When the sun rose on June 10, 2010, life was quite different for fans of the Chicago Blackhawks. Suddenly, all the years of frustration had vanished. The Blackhawks were Stanley Cup champions again! One night earlier, right-winger Patrick Kane’s sneaky goal 4:06 into overtime propelled Chicago to a 4–3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers in game six of the Stanley Cup Finals. The win gave Chicago its first NHL championship since 1961.

The Blackhawks are one of the league’s oldest and proudest franchises. They won the Stanley Cup in 1934 and 1938. Then future–Hall of Famer Bobby Hull led the Blackhawks to a championship in 1961. But after the 1961 season, the Chicago team endured an agonizingly long stretch of 35 straight play-off appearances without a Stanley Cup. For Chicago fans, it was like listening to a broken record . . . for three-and-a-half decades. Then, starting in 1998, things got worse. For the next 10 years, Chicagoans watched as their beloved Blackhawks missed the play-offs every year but one. For fans used to their team making the play-offs each year, it was torment. At last, thanks to Patrick’s goal and the 2009–2010 team, the wait for another Stanley Cup was over.

What’s the Score?

All the near misses of not winning a championship for 49 years took a toll on Chicago fans. But they remained faithful to their team. Even in tough years, the Blackhawks had a crowd of rowdy and excited fans packing the stands. They knew things would eventually get better.

When Jesus came to earth, he knew things would get better too. His purpose for humbling himself, living a sinless life, and enduring rejection was to win victory over death. At the end of Jesus’ ministry, he suffered shameful ridicule and unspeakable torture. He willingly died a horrific, undeserved death on the cross because of “the joy awaiting him” (Hebrews 12:2). In other words, the hardship was worth the reward. This wonderful truth should encourage us to trust in Jesus and follow him, even when it feels like we can never win. Our worst defeats in life don’t compare to what Jesus endured to save us from our sins!

On the Ball

The next time you feel the sting of defeat personally or mourn a tough loss by your favorite team, thank Jesus for enduring the shame of the cross on your behalf.

Coach’s Comment

Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. Hebrews 12:2-3