I told a pro player the other day that I loved basketball, but not just for the beauty of the sport, with its terrific blend of striking athleticism and sizable skill. And I told him I didn’t love hoops just for competition fulfillment, adrenaline rush, social audience, fanfare bounce or the big bucks it brings either.

I told him I loved basketball most because it produced great stories. Each practice and game writes story. Each season does too … at least a chapter. And each team member bears and brings narrative. Everyone is in the script.

There is another script being written, an amazing, true story that I love. It’s one for the ages. All of us are in it. 

And there is one character that emerges, balling out beautifully before every friend and foe, better than anyone ever. He brings buckets. 

Justice and righteousness rain down like never before. Order and peace see no end (Isaiah 9:6-7). All because He shows up. And the Man never lost.

He showed up first in lowly Bethlehem. He then showed up on water, with a boy’s multiplied lunch basket, for a prostitute’s rescue and a blind man’s sight, upon a friend’s death (and resurrection), at an upper room supper. 

Later He showed up on a Golgotha tree, at Hell’s gates, before an Empty Tomb, and then back to another upper room. And He keeps showing up … appearing amazingly in human hearts. Generation after generation.

And stunningly, He’ll show up again in Person, on a throne, establishing forever reign and victory. This title will crown Him — “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” Do you know this story? Do you know Him? … Do you know my King?

Bottom line … I love basketball because it’s about sharing, especially sharing rich story, AND because it brings occasion to sharing a matchless story, a way where humankind can meet the Master, the King.

Would you take a moment to get to know Him just a bit better through this brief, thrilling link? (It fires me up every time!): https://youtu.be/yzqTFNfeDnE

A prayer to consider: LORD, I love the game and its people. It’s so full of rich story. And I love my life’s story that’s found best in You. Help me to help others meet the Master, to know my King. Amen.