God's Coaching #361

God's Coaching #361

“The Greatest.” It’s a title that, by its very nature, can be given only to one athlete. In boxing circles, it is often bestowed upon Muhammad Ali. From the time he rocketed to fame as a light heavyweight gold medalist at the 1960 Olympics until his last fight in 1981, Muhammad cemented his status as a boxing legend and a cultural icon. He finished his career with a 56-5 record, including 37 knockouts. Eleven different times he ended the year as the heavyweight world champion.

His epic battles with the likes of George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Sonny Liston, Ken Norton, and Floyd Patterson are some of the most famous prizefights ever. If Ali isn’t the greatest, he is certainly on the short list as one of the greatest boxers of all time.

What’s the Score?

As fans, we love to debate who the greatest athletes of all time are, whatever the sport. Depending on whom you talk to, Ali might get competition in boxing for the title of “The Greatest” from Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Louis, or Rocky Marciano.

But there is one name that is far greater than any athlete, celebrity, or king. And there’s no competition! His name is Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God, who was with the Father at the time of creation, came to earth in human form, lived a sinless life, died on the cross as a substitute for our sins, and rose from the dead to confirm his deity and saving power. Some people may argue that Jesus isn’t the greatest, but in the end they’re going to lose that argument. Philippians 2:10-11 says, “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Notice that it doesn’t say that some knees will bow. One day everybody will bow and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. And there’s no arguing that!

On the Ball

What are some of Jesus’ characteristics that make him “the greatest”? Get a piece of paper and write down a short list. Then hang that list in your bathroom to remind yourself to give honor to God.

Coach’s Comment

God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11