My fellow New Yorkers have been excited the last few days, especially in the last 22 hours before I started writing this article.
On Saturday, June 13, the New York Knicks won the NBA championship, beating the San Antonio Spurs 4 games to 1. The series was much closer than that would suggest. The largest margin of victory was in Game 1, which the Knicks won, 105-95. The other four games were decided by either 1 or 4 point (including Game 4, which New York won by 1 point with 1.2 seconds left on the clock). In a few games, San Antonio enjoyed what seemed like insurmountable leads before the Knicks caught up and beat them.
People are understandably excited. It was New York’s first NBA title since 1973. Fans celebrated at sports bars, watch parties, or in their homes. People in my neighborhood started shooting off fireworks.
As remarkable as the Knicks’ accomplishment was, it is temporary. In October, they will begin the new season as defending champions, but there is no guarantee they will win next season’s title. For all we know, they could miss the playoffs next year. I am not trying to jinx them, but every professional athlete recognizes that possibility.
Christians celebrate a greater victory. When Jesus died on the cross, it looked like Satan, hell, sin, and death and gained an insurmountable advantage over Him. However, the final outcome was not even close. Jesus conquered death, rising from the dead, and obtained salvation for all who would would believe in Him. Best of all, His victory is permanent. He does not need to worry about defending His title. Nobody will take it from Him. Nothing will conquer those who join His team and claim His victory. Their eternal reward is certain!
Let us celebrate that victory! We should praise our Champion with even greater fervor and enthusiasm than any sports fans. Unlike your favorite athletes, our great Conqueror’s victory can transform our lives and eternal destiny.
Thanks be to God and His Son, Jesus Christ, for gaining the victory for us!
Darkened Glass Reflections 