NCAA Head of Officiating John Adams issued an official apology to the Virginia basketball program on behalf of all officials for not calling enough fouls on UVA’s opponents. “After reviewing the video of Virginia’s games and reading the comments on all the internet message boards, we have determined that we blew all the games that the team lost during the 2016-2017 season. Replays showed Virginia players were actually fouled on every single drive to the basket as well as both of the team’s post-up attempts this year.”

When asked why referees failed UVA, Jamie Luckie, who officiated every game this season, explained: “There is so much action on the basketball court, we aren’t actually able to follow everything. We are trained to study how far back a player snaps his head and blow the whistle accordingly. Also, I hate UVA.”

Romans 9 – Undeserved Mercy

The statement was released on April Fool’s Day. While this was meant as an April Fool’s Day joke, many coaches can relate to officials who make unjust calls or referees who treat certain coaches with disrespect or unfairness. In Romans 9, Paul addresses the question of God being unjust to the Israelites because many of them have rejected Jesus as the Messiah. Paul was considered a traitor to the Jewish nation. Paul shows his love for Israel in this chapter and his desire for their well-being.

Some asked, “What about the Jews?” Paul teaches that God isn’t unjust toward those He didn’t choose. He focuses on God’s mercy, which is undeserved and can never be earned. Pharaoh was an example of someone who didn’t receive God’s mercy. Then, he stressed God’s patience toward both Jews and Gentiles. The result is that both groups have access to God’s mercy and can be saved.

 The Kingdom Coach and Athlete trust in the four attributes in Romans 9: His faithfulness (1-13), righteousness (9:14-19), justice (9:19-29), and grace (9:30-33).

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 – Do not be wise in your own mind. Never paying back evil for evil to anyone, respecting what is good in the sight of all men, if possible, so far as it depends on you, being at peace with all men. Romans 12:16b-18

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on Justice