The One and Only

Ready:

“May God be gracious to us and bless us; may he make his face shine upon us so that your way may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.” —Psalm 67:1-2

Set:

Lionel Messi is considered to be one of the greatest all-time footballers. He’s an Argentine who plays forward for Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. He has won eight Ballon d'Ors and 46 team trophies, making him the most decorated player in professional soccer history. This is his 26th World Cup appearance. He is now the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. Athletes from all over the world have benefitted from his example and play. By watching him, either live on TV, or in videos, athletes learn his moves and they work hard to become more like him. His legacy is large and will endure for a long time. His life has blessed so many because of his giftedness. He is a one and only of all time.

There is another Who is even more powerful, is the greatest example ever, who has unleashed His blessing and favor upon people in every place on the earth from the beginning of time. It’s God, the Creator of the universe, the Creator of you, the Creator of even the sport you love. He wants to bless you and help you to follow His ways because His ways are right and good. This blessing and favor come to you to so that you can follow him and his ways and then show his ways to others. His ways are all about reconciling, redeeming and rescuing people.

It’s like Messi’s effect on the sport of soccer and future footballers. They practice his moves, improve and become better players and fans of the game. First, there is a change in the athlete and how they play at a higher level. Others are influenced and impacted, and they too get better in their play.

It’s like this with God. We watch and learn from Him. We begin to live and behave according to His ways. As we get stronger and stronger in our relationship and actions, others are directly impacted. This is the purpose of God, for us and in us – so that the world, all peoples, might receive His salvation. Stop, look, and listen to God. Only His ways are perfect, and the result of His way is always salvation and new life for all eternity.

Go:

1. Who is you favorite, all-time great in your sport, and how have you followed their example and play?

2. What part of God’s ways do you need to look more intentionally at, so that you actually live that way?

Workout:

Overtime: