“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.'” — John 11:25
>> Sign up here for Sports Spectrum devotionals sent right to your email inbox <<
Roberto Clemente only lived 38 years, but he made his life count as a professional baseball player, as a concerned citizen for the fair treatment of all people, and as a humanitarian who led several projects to help the needy in Latin America. On a mission to bring supplies to the poverty-stricken in Nicaragua, he died in a plane crash. However, his legacy lives on. He not only had 3,000 hits in the major leagues, contributing to his induction into the Hall of Fame, but a pediatric wing was built in his honor at a hospital in Nicaragua after his death as a result of his tireless fundraising.
No one can explain why some live 80-90 years and others die in the midst of their youth or early in their middle age. Some get rare forms of cancer, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, have heart attacks or strokes, or die in tragic accidents. The quality of a life is more important than the quantity, and we honor the memories of Roberto Clemente and other greats by following the example of their best efforts.
We can seek to make a positive impact through our time on earth while also looking to God who gives hope even when we don’t understand.
Before Jesus went to the cross, He gave proof of His power over death. When a young man named Lazarus died, Jesus waited a few days to go see the family because it was time to show the world about hope beyond the grave. At our lowest point, God is able to lift us up out of the pit of despair. Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha, panicked even as Jesus was calm (though we also know He wept for the death of this dear friend).
Then Jesus assured Martha of a glorious future for every believer in Christ. After Martha scolded Jesus for not coming sooner, Jesus made all her sorrow go away instantly by raising Lazarus from the dead. “Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha answered, ‘I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'” (John 11:23-26). He was asking if she would look to Him for hope, even when she didn’t understand.
This miracle was a preview of the ultimate miracle: the death, burial and resurrection of Christ on that first Easter weekend that gives hope to everyone who trusts Christ for their hope and salvation now and forever.
Do you believe this? His love for you is so great, beyond what we can truly understand, and He is waiting for you to receive the hope your soul longs for. Put your trust in Him as your Savior, who died for your sins, and you will truly live. Even when you don’t understand, look to God who gives hope in all circumstances.
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him <<
>> Purchase “The Increase 52 Week Devotional” to further grow your relationship with Christ <<
>> Dive more into God’s Word with Sports Spectrum through the YouVersion Bible App <<
If you would like to submit a devotional, please email all submissions to
devotionals@sportsspectrum.com
