Alan Comfort joined the Cambridge United Soccer Club in 1984. He became a Christian through the outspoken and bold witness of the teammate he was brought in to replace, Graham Daniels. Comfort faced a challenge as a player when asked to choose between his faith and his loyalty to the coach. He was asked, “Who is more important to you, me or God?” After contemplating the answer for a moment, he replied that God was more important. He never trained or played for that club again. He was told, “See the door? When you go out, don’t ever come back.” 

Isaiah 44-45 – I am Yahweh!

While you might never be shown the door like Comfort, your loyalty to God will face challenges. Do you serve the true and living God or the dead idols mentioned in Isaiah 44-45? While these chapters focus on the overthrow of Babylon, they also convey the central theme, “I am Yahweh, and there is no other” (45:6). God reveals Himself as the true and living God in contrast to the dead idols. 

There are many man-made idols in sports today. Whether it is the fame or fortune that many seek, Isaiah reminds us that God alone is the Creator and Sustainer of the world. He alone controls everything according to His will and purposes. While the first half of Isaiah focuses on God’s judgment, the second half reminds readers of His covenant, which points to the coming Messiah.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete reject the man-made idols of this world and place their trust and faith in the living God of the Bible.

Bible Memory Verse – “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth.” Isaiah 53:7 (LSB)