After Gregg Popovich, Coach of the San Antonio Spurs, won his second NBA Coach of the Year Award, he was asked why others use the word “military” to describe his coaching style. “The only reason the word military is used to describe what goes on around here is because I went to the Academy. But the correct word is discipline. And there are disciplined people in Google, in IBM, and the McDonald’s down the street. Yes, we are disciplined with what we do.” When Steve Kerr was pulled out of Spurs’ player rotation, he sat on the floor, not the bench. Kerr told Sports Illustrated that Pop pulled him aside and said, “Your body language is terrible. I know you’re not playing, but you’re a pro who’s always handled himself well, and now you’re not. It doesn’t look right, and I need you on the bench.” Kerr understood; he knew Pop was right and returned to the bench.

Jeremiah 1-3, 5 – Prophetic Warning

Discipline is a big part of Pop’s program and is the big idea in the Book of Jeremiah. Jeremiah became God’s prophet during the reign of King Josiah. His writing teaches that God is loving, but He is also just and will discipline those He loves when they sin. This was a turbulent time in the nation’s history. God warned His people against idolatry, which was a significant sin.

Through Jeremiah, God offered people another chance to repent while warning them of the judgment to come. Like Jeremiah, our job is to share the truth and the need for repentance. The apostle Paul wrote, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8).

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete refuse to rebel against God and His Word. Instead, they avoid His judgment by repenting of their sin and obeying Him. They believe God is holy and just, but He must punish sin or violate His nature.

Bible Memory Verse – “For I know the plans I have for you; declares Yahweh, ‘plans for peace and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.’” Jeremiah 29:11  (LSB)