Like many fans of college sports, I've been disappointed to see how much of an impact the transfer portal is having on the sports landscape. The increasing number of players entering the portal has made it difficult for fans to keep up with all of the roster changes from one season to the next. As such, some fans find it challenging to make attachments with many of the players on their favorite team. Michigan State basketball coach, Tom Izzo, expressed his concerns about the growth of the transfer portal during a radio interview. He said, “I think it’s bad for the kids. I think kids are making a lot of bad decisions because we’re teaching them that the minute something goes tough, to get out of dodge.” Certainly, not every player enters the transfer portal for the same reason, but I do think Coach Izzo may be on to something when he says athletes are being encouraged to jump ship at the first sign of adversity. Such a thought reminds me of the “Parable of the Sower” in Matthew 13. Jesus told this parable to describe four different responses (soils) that people would have when hearing the gospel message. About the second soil type, Jesus said, “As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the Word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away” (Matthew 13:20-21; ESV). Just like some college athletes are tempted to jump ship as soon as they find things difficult, many professing followers of Jesus are also tempted to shrink back from following Him when the going gets tough. For this reason, we must intentionally meditate daily on the great and glorious promises we have in the Bible, knowing that any suffering or persecution that might arise because of our faith is worth it in the end. The goal of our faith is not to live our best life here on earth but to receive the ultimate prize of eternal life with Jesus. As we keep this thought in mind and fully rely on Him to help us endure, we'll be ready to stand strong and walk faithfully whenever persecution inevitably comes because of our faith. Praise God that persevering through suffering and hardship in this life will be worth it when we see Jesus face to face! I’m Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me to understand fully what I've been given in Christ. Give me the strength to faithfully endure in trials, and thank you for Your promise that what I face in this life isn't worthy in comparison to what is to come. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
What are some different ways that followers of Jesus might experience varying levels of persecution in our time and culture?
What are some comforting passages of Scripture for the times you think about the possibility of facing persecution?
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