TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO DALLAS
This month, NBA superstar Luka Dončić returned for a basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks, for whom he had played for over five years until his surprise trade in February. This time, Dončić was wearing the purple and gold of the Los Angeles Lakers, but Dallas fans extended an adoring welcome to him, nonetheless. A two-minute-long tribute video played before he was introduced to the crowd, and all the seats in the arena bore the message, “Hvala za vse,” or “Thank you for everything” in Slovenian, Dončić’s native language. The tribute moved him to tears. “After that video,” he later said, “I was like, ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game.’” But he honored his fans and his new team by giving his best, tying his season high scoring with 45 points in a 112-97 victory to clinch a playoff spot for the Lakers.
TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO HEAVEN
John’s vision gives us a glimpse of the throne room of heaven, after Jesus has accomplished His mission on earth. As the scene begins, John learns that no one can open the sealed scroll in God’s hand—or even take it from His hand. John bursts into tears because of this, but an angel tells him not to weep but to witness the triumph of the Lion of Judah, the Lamb who was slain. By His sacrifice, He has proven Himself worthy of every honor. When Jesus takes up the scroll, heaven erupts in worship.
Questions
- Who is your most beloved sports hero, and why?
- Why do you think that no one in heaven or earth could open the scroll in God’s hand?
- What about Jesus causes you to erupt in praise and worship?
