Taking a knee became a topic of debate after Colin Kaepernick took a knee before NFL games to protest police brutality against the Black community. While that prompted some players to join him, little else happened, aside from the division between fans who supported his protest and those who didn’t. It only seems to become more controversial with players being asked to sign “woke contracts” that require them to kneel for the national anthem in 2020. 

Ephesians 3 – Sacred Surrender

Taking a knee during the time of the Apostle Paul had a different meaning. In Ephesians 3, he encourages believers to share the good news and pray for the Ephesians. This prayer emphasizes God’s power and Christ’s love. His prayer ends with a praise to God for His greatness and glory.  

During Paul’s time, kneeling wasn’t the usual posture for prayer. It was common for Jews to stand. Kneeling signified an extraordinary event or intense emotion. For instance, on the night before Jesus’ death, He fell to the ground in agonized emotion as He prayed to His Father (Mark 14:35, 36).  

Regardless of our circumstances, we should follow Paul’s example by praying to God and claiming Christ’s strength (3:16). Paul reminds us that we are all at risk of becoming discouraged (3:13). The answer isn’t found in listening to another motivational speech or reading a book about self-worth. Relying on the Spirit’s strength and power is the only solution Paul teaches in chapter 3. We are weak when we depend on ourselves. But when we wait on Him and depend on Him, our strength is renewed, and our spirits are refreshed, as Isaiah 40:29 teaches.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete believe that confidence comes from God’s Spirit within them. They keep Christ at the center of their lives, allowing Him to shape their attitudes, values, choices, and actions to be more like Him. Their goal in sports and life is to be conformed to His image (Romans 8:29).

Bible Memory Verse – “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12  (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: Taking a Knee

Our featured book this week is Ecclesiastes – The Forward-Looking Coach. (A  10-Week Bible Study For Coaches Who Want To Lead With The End In Mind), written by Joshua Thiessen.

 Click HERE to review.

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