Monday, May 24, 2010

The Head Coach


Recently at church we had a message entitled 'Spiritual Coaches.' In preparation for our communion meditation that day, I prepared a short talk wherein I could not help thinking about the ultimate spiritual coach. Not Vince Lombardi or Kirk Ferentz, but in fact -- Jesus.

Hebrews 12:2 says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” This instructs us to view Jesus as a model or a coach, and to accept and expect hardship for His name.
The message of the Cross is offensive to most people. It is neither apologetic nor compromising. It simply says, “Jesus is from God, and only He offers salvation through a blood atonement.”

Hebrews 12:7-8 further says, “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.” We are speaking here of how we are to endure our trials. As discipline with trust toward God, not simply as hopeless situations.

We are coached continuously by Jesus. We suffer at times, He suffered also. We are joyful, so was Jesus. I believe these 2 verses from Hebrews come together to tell us that we are to recognize Christ as Spiritual Mentor in 2 ways: 1.) as a model or example, and 2.) as a coach.

To Him we are to look for FAITH, and from Him we are to accept what is given, also in FAITH.


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