Sunday, April 15, 2012

April 16, 2012 - Believe the Hype!

This past weekend I took in the Jordan Brand Classic on ESPN. This game pits many of the top high school senior boys in an East vs. West battle. The game comes with a lot of fanfare and hoopla.And I must admit I was anxious to see it.

Although I did enjoy seeing a few of the guys (especially NC State signee Rodney Purvis), for the most part I was very underwhelmed. The shooting was horrendous from the field and from the line; and the ball handling was very sloppy. I know - I know it was an all-star game; one shouldn’t expect strong defense or great teamwork. Problem is that the guys did seem to care on defense and the result was a lot of turnovers. The players seemed to be there because they are phenomenal athletes and not because they are greatly skilled players. I still haven’t found an actual box score to check percentages but they had to be very, very low (only some open floor dunks could have pulled them up a bit.)

I realize that part of feeling “underwhelmed” is because I had such high expectations for the game. And I know these guys have had incredible high school careers. Yet when there is so much hype it is hard to live up to it.

No great lesson here this week other than a simple reminder: Jesus meets the hype! He lived a life of perfection and turned the world upside down! He meets all the requirements to be our Messiah. He meets all the requirements to be our King. He meets all the requirements to be our Counselor. I challenge you to find any other figure in history with so many good things written about him.

I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and myself founded empires; but what foundation did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded an empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him. -- Napoleon Bonaparte

A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act.  --Mahatma Gandhi

I am an historian, I am not a believer, but I must confess as a historian that this penniless preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very center of history. Jesus Christ is easily the most dominant figure in all history. --H.G. Wells

There is something so pure and frank and noble about Him that to doubt His sincerity would be like doubting the brightness of the sun. -- Charles Edward Jefferson

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

John 1:36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.


When it comes to Jesus: Believe the hype!!!!!!!!!!

1 comment:

Coach B said...

did find the box score on the actual jordan brand site - east shot 37.5% from the line and 14.3% from the arc - west was slightly better - but west had 25 turnovers to 23 for the east...