Oklahoma City Thunder guard, Russell Westbrook, made history last night by not only becoming the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double more than once, but in consecutive seasons. He finished the year averaging 25.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 10.3 assists.
In order to hit those numbers, Westbrook needed 16 rebounds last night to secure a double-digit rebounding average. He did that and more as he grabbed 20 rebounds and chipped in 19 assists to help the Thunder beat the Grizzlies...and put his name in the record books!
The numbers Westbrook puts up across the board are ridiculous, but he receives criticism for “stat-padding.” In response to the naysayers who think he overemphasizes going after rebounds, he made this comment:
“A lot of people make jokes about stat-padding or going to get rebounds. If people could get 20 rebounds every night, they would. If people could get 15 rebounds, they would.”
Westbrook shows impressive versatility on the floor - especially having great rebounding skills as a guard. With a mentality of “going to get rebounds,” he determinedly went after the 16 more he needed last night.
When considering Westbrook’s approach to going after every rebound and adding to his numbers, we can draw a comparison to Jesus’ heart toward those who don’t know Him.
When we read 2 Peter 3:9, “...not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance," we realize that Jesus cares deeply about the lost and those who are still caught up in sin.
Just as Westbrook doesn’t stop but wants to continually grab that loose ball and add one more rebound, Jesus shows His concern for the one lost person in the Parable of the Lost Sheep found in Luke 15 (ESV):
“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, 'This man receives sinners and eats with them.' So He told them this parable:
"'What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?
"'And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’
"'Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.'”
Today as we follow Jesus, let’s join Him in His work by going after the lost. Let’s keep “padding the stats” one person at a time while rejoicing in His redeeming power.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank you for sending Jesus to save me. I pray You will show me ways to participate in Your redeeming work to grab the lost and bring them to repentance. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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