Celebrate Jesus!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Psalm 103:2 (NKJV)

During the football World Cup, many players testified to their belief in Jesus Christ – on the field, in interviews, on social media. I remember the tiny nation of Curaçao, which miraculously qualified for the World Cup, coming together as a team to pray before and after their games. I remember seeing individual players giving God the glory. Then, there was the movement that started amongst the players of making the gesture of laying down their crowns, which represented their fame and achievements, and surrendering them to God. Then there were others who used signs to proclaim the Gospel message. They used signs to say: “Jesus came into this world. Out of love He gave His life. So all who believe may have eternal life.”

This is what Dodi Lukébakio, the Belgian player, said on the social media profile of Jesus My Goal,

What makes it special, as a winger, is to score a goal, but what makes it even more special is when you glorify Jesus.

Forget Not His Benefits

These footballers who follow Jesus have come out to show the world that when they celebrate their goals and achievements as footballers, they are celebrating what Jesus has done in their lives. They are celebrating the talents that Jesus has so graciously given them. They cast their “crowns” before Jesus and give them to Him, the only One who is worthy to receive all praise and glory.

The twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, 

“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honour and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” Revelation 4:10-11 (NLT)

Let us not forget the benefits, the gifts and talents that the Lord has given us. Let us celebrate who He is – the One who is holy. The One who is the Lord God Almighty.

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty -  the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come. Revelation 4:8 (NLT)

 

Reflection:

Take time to think about the benefits, the good things that the lord has given you. Will you praise Him for them?

Prayer:

I praise You, Lord, from whom all blessings flow. I praise You for all Your wonderful benefits. For all the gifts that You have bestowed upon me. I celebrate You, Jesus, the Holy One, the Lord God Almighty, amen.