Fall 2024

Orlando Magic's Jonathan Isaac delivers sermon on importance of spiritual understanding

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac appears to have a second career as a pastor waiting for him, should he choose to pursue it. On Sunday, Isaac delivered a sermon at J.U.M.P. Ministries Global Church in Orlando titled “Misunderstanding vs. Understanding.”

>> Subscribe to Sports Spectrum Magazine for more stories where sports and faith connect <<

He referenced the Parable of the Hidden Treasure found in Matthew, Jeremiah 9:23 and Proverbs 4:7, while explaining why spiritual understanding is more important than natural understanding.

“It is dire to misunderstand spiritual things because there is something on the line,” Isaac said in the sermon.

Selected sixth overall out of Florida State by the Magic in 2017, Isaac is about to enter his third season in the NBA. He made 64 starts in 75 games last season, averaging 9.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. That was a big step forward after just 10 starts in 27 games as a rookie in 2017-18.

Isaac took a leap of faith and delivered his first sermon in January 2018. He then joined the Sports Spectrum Podcast in September 2018 to talk about the experience and preparing for his second season in the NBA.

In his sermon this past Sunday, Isaac also emphasized all the blessings that come with knowing Christ and understanding what He has done for us.

“If I only knew what God had for me today, if I only knew the joy, the peace, the confidence, the self-control,” Isaac said near the end. “If I only knew what Jesus had for me in this present time and in the eternal life to come, I would’ve said yes a long time ago.”

RELATED STORIES:
β€” NEW PODCAST: Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic Forward
β€” Orlando Magic rookie Jonathan Isaac conquers fear, preaches at church
β€” THE INCREASE: Jonathan Isaac – Reborn
β€” Jeremy Lin signs deal to continue basketball career with CBA’s Beijing Ducks
β€” Steph Curry offers large donation to bring golf programs back to Howard University