And, I love my SC Gamecocks!
Both our men and women's basketball teams made it to the Final Four, with our Lady Gamecocks winning the 2017 NCAA National Championship game.
#GamecockNation is so proud!
March Madness was filled with amazing surprises, busted brackets, unbelievable buzzer endings, tight scores, great athlete stories, and so much more. There were even coaches giving God glory for their successes. How awesome is that?
The day after the confetti has fallen and the trophy has been given, some hearts go home filled with joy while others leave with heartache. But through it all, all teams can hold their heads high. Each accomplished great things in getting to the Final Four; some making it for the first time in their school's history.
Now let's take a look at another Final Four which changed history and lives forevermore.
We are quickly approaching the final four days of Jesus' life in The Women of Easter book study by Liz Curtis Higgs. We are moving through the last weeks and days leading up to the crucifixion and Resurrection Sunday. As I reflect on the history making final four days, from the Last Supper through Resurrection Sunday, I am reminded there were those who walked away after Thursday and Friday (Jesus' death and burial) full of defeat, heartache and deep sadness.
Who wouldn't be sad? Your closest friend, Teacher, Miracle Maker, Healer, etc... someone you've done life with 24/7 for three years is gone. The One you knew to be the Son of God, the long awaited Messiah, murdered on a criminal's cross and buried in a borrowed tomb. How devastating!
All hope seemed lost. Their joy deflated. Only fear and questions remained.
Little did they know, Sunday was coming! Behind the scenes was a ferocious fight for freedom like nothing anyone had ever seen or imagined. Soon, the Champion would emerge - conquering sin, death and the grave. Jesus would resurrect, having bridged the gap between the Father and His children, and opening up an eternal new way of life called Redemption; salvation by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ.
Sin has lost and LIFE has won!
The Final Four gives us much to hang on to:
- Never give up hope. In Christ alone, our hope is found.
- Even when we don't have answers, Jesus is still the answer.
-When fear, worry and doubt creep in, proclaim the name "Jesus" and they will flee.
Want to know more about Jesus' amazing Final Four days? Go to the "Fab Four" Gospels.
Matthew 26-28
Mark 14-16
Luke 22-24
John 13-21
Can't wait to celebrate The Champion on Resurrection Sunday!
Lift up your heads! Easter's coming, people!
My Pleasure,
Melanie
Melanie, love, love the sports connection and the scriptures to draw us to those 'final four' days. I also love to hear about coaches who give honor and glory to the Lord. Blessing on them and you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBeckie
Thanks, Beckie! I wasn't sure anyone would be as excited as I was about connecting the two, but that's how my spirit works with The Spirit sometimes. :) Blessings!
DeleteI love this post. My son, daughter, and I participate in a March Madness bracket competition every year and I love sports, so this really spoke to me.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad, Patti. I love how most aspects of sports teach great life lessons and can be integrated into teaching spiritual lessons as well. Hope your brackets did well. :) Blessings!
DeleteI'm a sports fan too! It's amazing to me how many life lessons we can glean from following our favorite athletes and teams. I loved your points here! We are on the winning team!!
ReplyDeleteYes we are, Traci! Thanks for reading and commenting. Blessings!
DeleteGreat message, Melanie! Love the way you tied the last four days of Jesus' life to the Final Four. Great life lessons!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Crickett. I love connecting the everyday with biblical truth. Seemed like an easy connection for this sports fan. Thank you for your words of encouragement. Have a very blessed Easter!
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