Sports history was made yesterday as Iowa’s Caitlin Clark became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division l basketball. Pete Maravich held the record since 1970 when he played at LSU, and Clark passed him with a performance on Sunday that included 35 points, nine assists, and six rebounds. She’s now scored a total of 3,685 points in her four-year career. Caitlin Clark has become a superstar athlete and a household name for sports fans. Not only has she achieved an incredible list of accomplishments breaking countless records, but the way she plays is captivating. Yesterday, I enjoyed watching her smooth jumper, amazing passing ability, and passionate play with my four-year-old daughter, Maddie! Clark has developed quite the fan base and what’s remarkable is how people are not only tuning in at record numbers on TV but driving and flying from all over the country to see her play in person. After witnessing her tremendous basketball talent from afar or hearing others talk about watching her play, many want to experience it for themselves and travel the distance to be in her presence. One fan who traveled from Dallas to Iowa told weareiowa.com, "If you've seen the game on TV that's one thing. But to actually be here in person you have to experience it.” Another University of Iowa student said, "It's been awesome, she's just the best, there's nothing better than her.” In an article on frontofficesports.com, another fan said, “We would’ve paid any amount of money to come see her play in person.” The reality is, that arenas have been sold out, hotels are at maximum capacity, and fans have been willing to wait in line for hours before tipoff to have better seats in general admission so they can be closer to Clark. The tickets for yesterday’s sold-out game averaged $577. Clark has not only caught the attention of girl dads like me, women’s basketball fans, or even average basketball fans but has transcended sports with celebrities and other star athletes coming to watch her play in person. Actor, Jason Sudeikis, rapper, Travis Scott, WWE Hall of Famer, Mick Foley, “Jake From State Farm," and former MLB pitcher, Nolan Ryan have all been in attendance at one of her games. They’ve had the opportunity to be up close and personal with Clark. As we celebrate her career and historic milestone, while considering the people experiencing her for themselves, there's a great comparison between hearing about God and watching others experience Him versus knowing Him personally and encountering Him ourselves. Thankfully, we don’t have to travel, be a celebrity, or need to drop hundreds or thousands of dollars to be up close and personal with the God of the universe. He left a free ticket for us when He sent Jesus to die on the cross on our behalf. By placing our faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are given the opportunity for an intimate relationship with God. So, are we making the most of having this access and are we passionate about being close to Him? Are we willing to sacrifice and give up whatever is necessary to know Him more and embrace His presence? Do we confidently say something similar to what the Iowa fan said, “It’s been awesome, He’s just the best, there’s nothing better than Him!” When we know God and witness His work “in person,” we have a front-row seat to His power and goodness. Jesus prayed this before He went to the cross in John 17:3 (AMP): “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” Paul also writes in Philippians 3:10-11 (NLT): “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him, sharing in His death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!” Today, let’s commit to knowing and experiencing God for ourselves and have a deep “up close and personal” faith in Jesus. Instead of only hearing others talk about their experience with the Lord, let’s enjoy Him and “Taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8; NIV). I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I want to know You and experience Your goodness in a real and powerful way. I pray I won’t hold back from pursuing You with all my heart. I want to see You for who You are and encounter Your presence. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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