God's Coaching #354

God's Coaching #354

Broadway shows have nothing over the theatrics created before professional sporting events. Before Miami Heat basketball games during the 2010–2011 season, a video of a flaming gold basketball lit screens inside the stadium. Music blared, and fireworks blasted as players’ names were read. And there was no way that the game could start until LeBron James smacked his hands together, causing a cloud of white powder to billow into the air.

The Baltimore Ravens featured a gigantic bird with flashing eyes in its pregame spectacle. Ten-foot-high columns spewed flames and smoke into the air. Fireworks exploded in the sky. As music blared, players began appearing from the smoky tunnel. Finally, No. 52 emerged as the last player out. With eye black covering his face like war paint, Ray Lewis roared onto the field doing his famous pregame dance.

What’s the Score?

Fans love to cheer when their favorite athletes enter the arena. They rise to their feet as the announcer shouts the players’ names. But if you think that’s an impressive show, you should check out the Bible’s description of what will happen when Jesus returns to earth. A day is coming when Jesus will come back to take all Christians to heaven and begin God’s final judgment. The Bible often refers to this as “the day of the Lord.” It’s a date in the future—known only to God himself—when the current heaven and earth will be destroyed and a new heavenly Kingdom will be created to last forever.

Joel 2:31 says “the sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red” on this day. Although it sounds scary, followers of Christ don’t have to fear this coming judgment. After the frightening words of Joel 2:30-31, verse 32 provides this reassuring promise: “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” God’s future judgment will be on the wicked, not on the righteous. Anyone who has put his or her faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior can look forward to, not dread, his second coming—and the amazing display of God’s power that will announce it.

On the Ball

Learn more about the “day of the Lord” and the end times in general by reading Matthew 24, Mark 13, and the entire book of Revelation. Write down any questions you have about these Scriptures to ask a pastor or a parent.

Coach’s Comment

I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth—blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and terrible day of the LORD arrives. Joel 2:30-31