One of the best scenarios in sports is when a playoff series goes to a 7th and deciding game.
Milwaukee and Brooklyn have each won three games in the series and on Saturday will compete in a Game 7 for a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.
As fans, we might also get to watch two more series go the distance. Tonight there are two Game 6’s with the Sixers looking to extend the series against the Hawks while the Jazz hopes to force an extra game against the Clippers.
As we saw last night in the Bucks and Nets game (with Milwaukee facing elimination), they relied heavily on their stars and three best players to shine. Giannis Antekounmpo had 30 points, Khris Middleton had 38, and Jrue Holiday had 21. Although they forced a Game 7, it will be interesting to see how both teams respond as the pressure intensifies with the series on the line.
When each player steps onto the court for Game 7, they carry the responsibility and expectation that they'll do what it takes to help lead their team to the win. They must hit clutch shots, make key defensive stops, and get the most out of their teammates.
That is true during any game, but when the pressure and intensity are heightened because of the circumstances of a Game 7, these players are put to the test. They have the opportunity to reveal the kind of player they are when the spotlight is especially bright.
ESPN’s, Mark Jones, said this during a broadcast:
“Something about Game 7s reveals your responsibilities and how you handle those responsibilities…the weight of those responsibilities. And in the end, you can answer the question, did those answers work for you or not? Did those responsibilities devastate you or elevate you?”
In rewinding what Mark Jones said, I realize the concept behind his words is worth unpacking today.
As followers of Jesus, we’re forgiven and saved from the punishment of sin because of His grace and we don’t earn God’s love – it’s freely given.
Still, while we continue to live on earth, we're given standards to live by and we have the responsibility and mission to honor and represent God as His ambassadors.
Thankfully, we don’t have to handle these responsibilities in our own strength, but we've been given the role to be a light in this world and tell others about the love of Jesus. We're also to live in a way that represents integrity and holiness and it’s our privileged duty to love and obey.
Micah 6:8 (AMP) says, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you except to be just, and to love kindness (compassion), and to walk humbly with your God ?”
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NIV) tells us, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
Oftentimes, when life is good and we’re “playing in the regular season,” we have no problem being obedient and worshiping God. We embrace the duty we have to “hit clutch shots, make key defensive stops, and get the most out of our teammates.”
But there are also times when we experience our own “Game 7” when the pressure and intensity are heightened because of our circumstances. In these situations, we’re expected to rise to the occasion and allow Jesus to shine through us.
When we're put to the test and have the opportunity to reveal our true character, as the spotlight is especially bright during our pressure-filled “Game 7” moments, will we step up and demonstrate that our faith is genuinely rooted in God and we rely on His strength? Or will the pressure “devastate us”?
When life gets tough and people are watching how we’ll respond, will they see that our trust and dependence are building as God picks us up and “elevates us”?
Today, let’s thank God for His grace and the reality that He doesn’t need us or give us burdens, but rather He elevates us to be used for His mission. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for the life You’ve called me to. I pray I’d remain faithful and obedient – even during pressure-filled and intense seasons. Thank you for Your grace when I miss the mark. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
When you consider the opportunities and responsibilities we have as ambassadors for God, does it devastate you or elevate you?
Do you find it harder to obey and live up to the call God has on your life during pressure-filled seasons?
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