The Welsh Rugby Union called out abusive fans after a tough loss to France on March 20, 2021. Following the close defeat, angry fans took to social media to blast the devastated players. The team responded, “The players are proud to represent their country and their jersey. The abuse players are receiving has to stop.” After sharing an example of online bullying, support for the team poured in. Even the official France Rugby Twitter account tweeted, “All our support dear friends… This is not the true spirit of sport, and this has to stop. Congratulations again on the great performance of your team yesterday.” By confronting bad behavior, the Welsh Rugby team taught fans a lesson about turning ugliness in the sport into something positive.

1 Samuel 3 – A Prophet’s Heart

Whether in rugby or other sports, refusing to obey God’s ways is nothing new. In Samuel’s day, the Israelites were hard-hearted and disobedient, so God rarely spoke (1 Samuel 3:1). His silence was judgment. Eli was a high priest, but his sons were guilty of misconduct and immorality, leading others into sin. Eli did little to stop them, and God’s name was being profaned. But God revealed Himself to a faithful young man named Samuel. After hearing his name four times, Samuel responded in faith.

Using archery terms (1 Samuel 3:19-21), God said none of Samuel’s words would “fall to the ground.” Samuel became famous as a prophet. “Prophet” was his primary calling. He founded schools for prophets at Ramah, Bethel, Jericho, and Gilgal—teaching scripture, listening to God, communicating His word, and leading worship. Samuel’s moral influence lasted 300 years through Nathan, Ahijah, Elijah, and Elisha. None wrote scripture, but all communicated God’s will. The Lord had found a man who led God’s way—faithfully and with his whole heart.

The Kingdom Coach & Athlete understand their behavior both on the field and off, reveals their true relationship with God. They desire their influence to bring glory to their King.

Bible Memory Verse – “But Ruth said, “Do not press me to forsake you in turning back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may Yahweh do to me, and more, if anything but death separates you and me.” Ruth 1:16-17 (LSB)