Ready:
“Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.” —От Иоанна 20:1
Set:
One of the beautiful things about sport is comeback stories. When defeat is staring you right in the face and there seems to be no way to win, and then, out of nowhere, victory comes in amazing fashion. Victory seemed impossible. And then, boom!
You've likely never heard of Wilma Rudolf, the Olympic runner in the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. At that time, she was called the fastest woman in the world. She was the first American woman in history to win three gold medals in one Olympics. She also broke three world records at that same Olympics.
The amazing part of her comeback story is that she was paralyzed by polio as a child. Her doctors were doubtful that she would ever walk, let alone run. With lots of hard work, determination and help, she gained the ability to walk and run by the age of 12. Then in 1960, in Rome, she went on to win three gold medals—in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4x100-meter relay events. This was an amazing comeback.
There is one comeback that changed everything for eternity. This comeback was in 30 A.D., when Jesus died for sinners, people who had no ability to cleanse themselves of sins, and no way to pay for those sins. He was buried in a tomb. Jesus was dead. For those who had given up everything to follow Jesus, life appeared to be over. The one they believed to be the Savior Messiah was gone. BUT, as John writes in John 20, the tomb was rolled away and it was empty. (John 20:1-18). The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) all tell the story of the greatest comeback ever! This story is for you and for every person you know. For every athlete, every coach, every parent, everyone!
May this comeback be the greatest one you ever experience, and may it benefit your life and all that you become and do.
Go:
The comeback of Jesus is for you. How have you received Him and how has His story impacted you?
Who needs to hear this story? Go tell them.
Workout:
Overtime:
"Jesus, thank You for giving up Your life for me and then raising from the dead so that I could live today and live forever with You. Help me see the great importance and the significance of Your life, death and resurrection. All of this for me and for everyone else. I give thanks to You. Amen.”