“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8
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Last June, the Oklahoma City Thunder won the NBA championship, the first title in franchise history. Another first occurred that night when Nikola Topić became the first player in history to win an NBA championship without having played a single NBA game.
Just one year earlier, he was the Thunder’s first-round draft pick. Because of surgery on a partially torn ACL, Topic missed the entire 2024-25 season and didn’t play in any regular-season or playoff games. He never suited up. But because he was on the roster, he got to celebrate the championship. He got to ride in the victory parade. He didn’t do any work, but he won. His teammates did all the work and he got to share in the victory. His teammates’ work got credited to him.
Now, for those of us who think that doesn’t seem right or fair, think about this: Jesus Christ lived a perfect life, died on the cross, and resurrected three days later so that all who place their faith in Him could have victory over sin, death, hell and the grave. Jesus did all the work, we didn’t do anything, and yet we get to share in His victory. That is grace — God giving to us what we don’t deserve. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
Today, remember why you have victory and tell someone they too can share in Christ’s victory by placing their faith in Him.
— Ikki Soma, Iowa Wolves chaplain
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