Successfully replacing a legendary coach at any level is difficult. Doing so in college can be nearly impossible. Bob Devaney was the head football coach for 11 seasons at the University of Nebraska and compiled an extraordinary 101-20 record, including back-to-back national championships in 1970 and 1971. He really put the Huskers in the spotlight, as they were ranked every year in the AP Poll except his first season. Tom Osborne replaced Devaney in 1972 after serving on his staff as an assistant coach. Osborne coached Nebraska from 1973 to 1997. He won three national and 13 conference titles, becoming the fastest head coach to reach 250 wins. While Devaney built the program and planted the seeds for Nebraska to grow, Osborne took things to another level.

2 Samuel 1; 2:1-7 – Humble Transition

In 2 Samuel, there’s another example of a leader who successfully took over for another. Just as Osborne would be a much different coach than Devaney, David would be a much different king than Saul. In 1 Samuel 16, God chose David to replace Saul as king. It wasn’t until many years of wars and Saul’s downfall that David finally replaced him. It wasn’t easy as he grieved over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. After a time of mourning, David asked God to show him what to do next. His humility, patience, and reliance upon God showed he was the right person to lead his people.

There are many lessons to be learned from the life of David. 2 Samuel can be divided into two main sections—David’s triumphs (chapters 1-10) and David’s troubles (chapters 11-20). His story was never boring! Concerning the nation Israel, 1 Corinthians 10:6 declares, “Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.”

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete humble themselves as they rely on the Lord and His power to lead others. They seek God’s direction for each battle in life.

Bible Memory Verse – “Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had removed from the land those who were mediums and spiritists. 1 Samuel 28:3 (LSB)