God's Coaching #345

God's Coaching #345

You probably won’t see one of these teams vying for a national championship, but when Army and Navy play football, it’s one of the most compelling rivalries in all of sports. It’s a game that pits America’s future warriors against each other, fighting for touchdowns before fighting for our freedom. The rivalry started in 1890 and has been contested annually since 1930.

Navy has dominated the rivalry lately. The Midshipmen’s 31–17 win in 2010 was their ninth straight over the Black Knights and gave them a 55–49–7 edge all-time in the series. Part of what makes the games so compelling is the military history and patriotic sacrifice among its participants. Most of the players on each team enter active military duty once they graduate. In fact, 10 days before the 2010 game, Navy’s 24 seniors received their service assignments. Many were assigned to the war in Afghanistan or other dangerous parts of the world. “You know this is it for them,” Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo told the Washington Post shortly before the 2010 Army-Navy game. “They’ll be in harm’s way. It’s really an emotional time in the locker room after the game.” These athletes are true warriors!

What’s the Score?

In Zephaniah 3, the Bible describes God as a mighty warrior. Zephaniah was an Old Testament prophet who lived in Judah during the reign of Josiah in the late seventh century BC. Zephaniah prophesied future judgment for Judah because they worshiped idols instead of the one true God. At the end of the book, Zephaniah promises that God will fight for his people and restore them. He calls God a “Mighty Warrior who saves” (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV).

Thanks to its impressive soldiers like those in the annual Army-Navy game, the United States has one of the world’s strongest militaries. But no power in the universe is stronger than God. He created and controls all things. He wins every battle. One day, he will once and for all destroy his greatest enemy, Satan. This same warrior God is one we can have a personal relationship with. God loves us and wants to help us fight against sin. He is the Mighty Warrior indeed!

On the Ball

Do you have a family member or know someone who serves in the military? Today, take time to write that person a thank you note. You may also want to send a care package and let that person know you’re praying for him or her.

Coach’s Comment

The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)