C.T. Studd was chosen in 1881 as the cricketer of the year. That was long before there were sports like basketball or football. It was the most popular sport of its time; his cricket career at Cambridge was described as “one long blaze of cricketing glory.” He was England’s most exciting athlete who used the traits learned in sports of self-denial, self-control, endurance, and willingness to sacrifice for a cause to become one of the most impactful missionaries in history. After receiving a large sum of money from his inheritance, he gave away his large inheritance to show the world that he relied not on money but on the living Lord. “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him,” he argued. 

2 Kings 5-6 – Pride and Power

Popularity was never Studd’s goal. He was God’s man, and he built no monuments to himself. Elisha was also God’s man in Israel, and the Lord did many miracles through him. In the days of widespread apostasy, God’s miracles showed His care for Israel. Second Kings 5 tells the story of Naaman, who came to Israel to have his skin disease healed. He was sent to Elisha, who told him to wash in the Jordan River. Initially, he balked at the idea because of his pride, but once his servants convinced him to set aside his pride, he was healed. The idea that his healing required humble submission to God, on his terms alone, did not occur to him.

By contrast, Gehazi, an attendant for Elisha, tried to get something for himself from the commander but was struck with a skin disease. Gehazi watched Naaman depart and saw he was losing an opportunity for his own enrichment. He was blind to the glory of what had happened and was overcome by greed. By contrast, Elisha was generous, and Naaman demonstrated gratitude. The reversals of fortunes remind us that God alone transforms us from selfish people to humble and obedient children of God. 

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete humble themselves and rely on God to renew their minds and transform them into valuable servants for His glory.

Bible Memory Verse – “So Yahweh was very angry with Israel and caused them to depart from His presence; none was left except the tribe of Judah alone.” 2 Kings 17:18 (LSB)