For sports franchises, logos have existed since the earliest days of professional sports, with “The National League” in baseball in 1876. Between all the professional teams within the NBA, MLB, NFL, and NHL, there are more than 800 logos. The most famous logo in sports is not even a sports team but the sportswear giant Nike. Their famous Swoosh is easily recognized on their shoes or sportswear worldwide. Logos help sports teams brand their unique identity with a simple mark that builds an emotional connection with them.

 Revelation 7 – Sealed

In Revelation 7, John refers to a logo or mark used in sports. The word “sealed” in the New Testament comes from a Greek word meaning “to stamp with a private mark.” Seals were used for official business: a Roman centurion, for instance, might transport a sealed document meant only for his superior’s eyes.

Revelation 7:3-4 refers to a group of people who have the seal of God. During the tribulation, these seals protect or preserve those marked for God. In contrast, the opposite is true of the mark of the beast, which identifies people as followers of Satan (Revelation 13:16-18).

God protects His people and keeps His own. Not one of them will be lost. The sealing doesn’t guarantee His sealed people will have no pain, but Revelation 9:4 shows those who are sealed are saved from the problems of judgment. This sealing ensures the preservation of the servants of God in the faith. God seals them in the sense that He keeps convincing them that He is trustworthy, which compels them to trust Him.

 The Kingdom Coach and Athlete are confident that no matter how difficult the season or life becomes, they will not suffer more than He allows them to suffer. They know God is in control regardless of the suffering.