Coach Jack Ramsay told guard Randy Smith to call “time-out” for Buffalo in the last minute of a tight 1973 NBA game. Randy turned to the referee and just tossed him the ball, forgetting to request a time-out. The ref jumped out of the way, and Jeff Mullins of the Golden State Warriors picked up the loose ball and drove for a layup to tie the score. It was the turning point in the game, for Buffalo never recovered and lost 106-101.

Matthew 11 – Accept the Light

The Lord Jesus was at a turning point in Matthew 11. Because His own people had rejected Him, Jesus pronounced judgment upon the cities that refused to believe the truth. The King may be rejected, but He is still the King! He always has the last word! Chorazin and Bethsaida were rich and populous cities near Jesus’ ministry headquarters of Capernaum.

He predicted their doom because they rejected the many miracles He performed there. They soon dwindled into obscure villages! They had more light than the wicked, wealthy Gentile coastal cities (Tyre and Sidon), so their degree of judgment was more severe. Knowing all hearts, Jesus said those in Tyre and Sidon would have repented quickly and sincerely if He had performed miracles there. Sodom was a terrible place, characterized by homosexual behavior. It was wiped off the map in fiery judgment. Yet, Jesus said Sodom would have repented if it had seen the miracles of Capernaum. Their city would have been spared. It is better to be in Sodom than to reject the light Jesus shone in Capernaum.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete accept the light of the Lord, knowing it would be better to be raised in the darkest jungle and never hear of Jesus than to sit in a church where the gospel is preached or have the opportunity to read a Bible and never repent of sin and receive Him as Savior and Lord.

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – “Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” Matthew 13:17

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