It's that time of the year again! Yes, the NFL Draft has come around giving every die-hard, casual, and part-time football fan something to talk about. As a football fan myself, I love finding out my team's draft picks when all is said and done but as far as watching the draft itself, I just don't have time. I'm sure the suspense and overall atmosphere is thrilling but I prefer skipping to the conclusion. After reviewing the Miami Dolphins' (my favorite team) first round pick this year, Dion Jordan, I was thinking to myself, "Man, I've never heard of that guy before. But hey, I hope he helps the team!" And certainly, I'm sure that's what a lot of people are thinking.
Then, I started thinking about what it must be like to be Dion Jordan. He's living his dream! He's a pro football player now and this is probably one of the happiest moments of his life. If not, it should be (I would think). Reflecting on that a little more, I started to think, "You know, if I was drafted to be on a team, I'd want to be on Jesus' team!" After chuckling for a bit at that thought it became more clear to me that the NFL draft (or any other professional sporting draft) is much like God choosing us.
One day, there will be a draft in Heaven and we will hopefully all be a part of it. God tells us that He will judge each of us.
Because he hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance to all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
-Acts 17:31
I underlined the certain parts of that verse above that I want to focus on. God has already set a day in time for our judgment and it is not going to change. It is known by no man, not even Jesus. Only the Father in Heaven knows the day of His "draft." The next part I underlined says that God will judge us according to our righteousness. Much like NFL players are judged according to their speed, agility, power, and knowledge of the game, we will be judged according to our righteousness.
So my fellow believers, non-believers, and not-so-sures, when draft day comes, wouldn't you like to get drafted? I'm sure if I was a college player, my intentions would be to one day be recognized by the NFL and receive an invitation to play for one of their franchises. Well, this is just about the same thing, except the wages are eternal life vs. being cast into the lake of fire. I want my life's works to reflect righteousness. I want my "college career" (my life) to have a good report in the Lord's eyes. I want God to recognize me and invite me into eternal life with Him in Heaven.
Hallelujah! Who wouldn't want that?!
Let's take advantage of the one gift God gave us that will make a difference in our draft day (judgment day). Get to know JESUS. Jesus is the ONLY way to the FATHER. There is no priest, deacon, pastor, minister, preacher, bishop, pope, or any other person on this earth that can save you but JESUS.
Take a look back at Acts 17:31 again, and you will see that the man whom he hath ordained for us to be judged according to righteousness is JESUS. For Jesus died for us and was raised from the dead.
So, as you continue to watch the rest of the NFL draft, think about God as the only team drafting. His roster is not limited, but only limited to those that fit the requirements. And all God wants is for us to get to know His Son and receive Him as our Savior.
Amen. Praise the Lord and have a blessed day!
