It was called the poetic breakup before the ‘97-98 Bulls split up after the championship celebration. They met one last time to “put things to rest,” as Phil Jackson said. The coach had each player write something to read aloud about what it meant to be part of the team before all the notes were ceremonially burned. Michael Jordan wrote a poem. “We saw him as this bully sometimes. But that day, he showed his passion and empathy for all of us,” Steve Kerr said of Jordan’s poem.

Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls winning their sixth championship in 1998 was incredible. The Bulls battled age, injuries, and drama. Before the season began, Phil Jackson called it The Last Dance. He knew dynasties never last and had decided to leave as their coach. Everything eventually becomes obsolete that is man-made. Sports are an example of how conditions change. Ultimately, relationships and talent begin to deteriorate. Jesus warns us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy” (Matthew 6:19).

Hebrews 8 – New Covenant

What’s true in the sports world is also true in the spiritual. The writer of Hebrews makes the point in Hebrews 8 when he shows the Mosaic covenant—established for specific people, and time is not meant to last. He even quotes an Old Testament prophecy that anticipates the replacement of the old covenant. This shows his Jewish readers that it has become obsolete, replaced by another one that will last forever.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete trust the new covenant because the old covenant only condemns them. It can’t cleanse sin like Jesus, the Mediator of a better covenant. They’re confident this new covenant can overcome our weaknesses with God’s Spirit.