In recent weeks as I have observed different sporting events, in particular, the NFL playoffs, I have been drawn to consider the very process of elimination that crowns but one winner each season. At the heart of competitive sports is a desire to be the best not only at the end of each contest, but also at the end of the competitive season. Whether it is the World Cup or Olympics every four years, BCS, March Madness, Playoffs in the NBA, NFL, NHL or any other number of competitive tournament formats, there is an undeniable desire and drive to determine one clear winner. It is interesting that no matter what one’s team or individual effort has been throughout the season, only one winner will be crowned; all others having fallen short. I believe this reveals something deeper about us as a people, that woven into our very fabric as a people and expressed in the exercises of culture is the truth that only one can be crowned. Our sin as a people, having separated us from God and unable to be overcome through our best efforts, required a champion of historic proportions. The bible records Jesus’ words to us in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” In other words, He is the champion of champions, the 2012 time defending champion, the one who defeated sin, death and the grave by way of his resurrection and the only one that has the power to offer us eternal life (a place on his team, his church). At the end of our season of life, we will either find ourselves on his team having become one with him and receiving from the ONE Himself, a crown of glory, or we will find ourselves opposed to him having fallen short of the prize (eternal life) despite our best efforts. I pray that all would receive him and in doing so experience the joy of eternal victory. -Josh Q
