Ready:
"From then on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” – Matthew 4:17
Set:
Think of a coach for whom you have the greatest respect and admiration. If you had the chance to play for or work under this coach, you’d listen to everything they said, eager to learn and grow. You’d gladly do whatever they ask of you because you trust them. You’d orient everything you do competitively around the way this coach leads you because you’re convinced he or she is the greatest coach.
When Jesus began His public ministry on earth, He proclaimed that “the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17). Saying “the kingdom of heaven” is the same as saying “the kingdom of God.” The Kingdom of heaven/God refers to God’s reign as King. Jesus says that it is “near” because He—Jesus—has arrived and He is the King of kings (Revelation 19:16). Jesus, as God in the flesh, has come to bring God’s rule to bear in this world and in our lives in a new and decisive way.
Returning to our opening scenario of what it would look like to play or work under the greatest coach: Do we respond in a similar way to the opportunity to live under the reign of the greatest King? To live under Lord’s reign requires repenting: turning away from living in rebellion against God and His ways, and turning toward God through faith in Jesus, receiving His forgiveness for our sins and willingly surrendering to His rule over us as our King.
Living under Jesus’ reign as our King means we reorient every part of our life around what He desires for us—including how we compete. We listen to everything He says, and gladly do whatever He asks of us because we trust Him. Why? Because we believe what the Bible tells us about the Kingdom of God. The reign of King Jesus is completely good, just, loving, right, merciful, holy, gracious and wise. Submitting to His reign in every area, including our sport, is for our best and glorifies the greatest King.
Go:
What do you need to turn away from in order to surrender fully to the reign of King Jesus over you?
As you trust and follow Jesus as King, what impact does this have on how you compete and how you live?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord, I praise You because You are our King. I praise You because Your reign is good, just, loving and gracious. Please help me to turn away from other things so that I live and compete fully for You. Amen.”