During His Career,

DURING HIS CAREER, Michael Jordan amazed the basketball world with his incredible shots and fantastic moves. In his final game as a Chicago Bull in 1998, Jordan finished in grand style.

The Bulls faced the Utah Jazz on the road in game six of the NBA championship. Leading three games to two, Chicago would earn its sixth title in the 1990s with a victory that night.

Chicago opened an early nine-point lead, but an injured back forced Scottie Pippen to the locker room, and the momentum shifted. Utah took an 81–79 lead on two Bryon Russell free throws with 3:20 remaining. The Jazz stayed in front until Jordan canned two foul shots, tying the score 83–83 with just under a minute to play.

John Stockton’s three-pointer at the 42-second mark put the Jazz up by three, but Jordan nailed another pair of free throws five seconds later to pull the Bulls within one. As the clock ticked down to 20 seconds, the five-time NBA MVP sneaked behind Utah’s Karl Malone, swatted the ball away, grabbed the steal, and dribbled upcourt.

With a collective gasp, the 20,000 fans at Utah’s Delta Center feared the outcome. Jordan pulled up and let fly a 17-foot jumper with 5.2 seconds left. His shot swished. Utah got one final chance, but its three-pointer bounced off the rim, giving the Bulls an 87–86 victory and their sixth NBA crown.

EXTRA < < < < < < < < < < < < < <

POINT What a way for Michael Jordan to finish his career with the Bulls! Those who saw the game noticed that Jordan stood for a moment after his last shot with his bent wrist perfectly frozen in the follow-through position. He seemed to want to hold that feeling forever, but his success with the Bulls was over.

The apostle Paul understood about finishing a task. God gave him the job of telling the world about Jesus’ gift of salvation. Many call Paul the first missionary. God sends missionaries around the world today. And the Lord calls the rest of us to serve as missionaries where we are.

GOAL! If you know missionaries in other countries, pray for them. If not, see if your church supports some. Choose a country and pray for all the missionaries who live there. What work does God have planned for you? Pray that he’ll show you his will for your life.