January 1969, Joe Namath, the brash young quarterback of the New York Jets professional football team, made a bold prediction. He “guaranteed” that his team would defeat the dominant Baltimore Colts in the world championship game that year. He made good on the prophecy when he helped beat the Colts and was named the “Most Valuable Player.” His bold prediction forever became part of sports history.

Mark 13 – Staying Alert

While some sports fans go crazy over predictions, many believers go wild over Bible prophecy. Lots of rational people lose all sense of reason and discernment when it comes to future events. There have been extremists since Mark 13 who have ignored the Bible and common sense to follow false prophets. These cult leaders find followers who are gullible and make specific predictions about the end times that not only fail but cause believers to become distracted in their spiritual lives.

While some believers are gullible when it comes to prophecy, others are cynical. One group believes too much, while the other believes nothing. While we should refuse any teaching that sets dates, we should be careful not to reject what Jesus taught his disciples. He was warning them and us to keep our priorities right while living our lives to glorify God. He doesn’t want us to be ignorant of the events around us or the deceivers, but He also doesn’t want us to get caught up in foolish speculation. We need to stop looking for the “signs” of His return and begin looking for Him! (Matthew 24:36)

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete stay alert for Christ’s imminent return by living holy lives that please God. They keep both their eyes and Bibles open while using these opportunities to witness for Jesus Christ.

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 – “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the Throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and there will be no end of His kingdom.” Luke 1:32-33 LSB

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