College sports have a history of a few coaches who used their power to bend the rules. Often, they don’t follow the same rules they ask others to obey. Football teams, such as Bear Bryant’s 1954 Texas A&M Junction Boys, endured training methods that would be unacceptable today. A Rutgers basketball coach was caught on video tossing balls at a player while using profanity and kicking him, even in recent years.

Luke 2 – Costly Obedience

If anyone had a reason not to obey or bend the law, it would have been Mary and Joseph following the birth of the Messiah. They had endured a long journey, but didn’t excuse themselves from purity rituals and customs. Instead, they obeyed God, knowing it likely meant taking the criticism of false accusations.

From early on, it was clear that Jesus would not fit the expectations many had of the Messiah. While some thought He would conquer their enemies, instead, He offered salvation to everyone, regardless of their ethnic background or social status.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete trust God even when doing so brings about unpleasant results. They know His ways are not our ways.

Bible Memory Verse – “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,” Luke 6:27 LSB

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