As we all know, the 2018 Winter Olympics just drew to a close. As we watched over the last two weeks, my husband has remarked on more than one occasion how unnatural some of the moves of the athletes were.

THE FLYING TOMATO

One of the highlights for me was watching Shaun White win his third gold medal in the half pipe. The “Flying Tomato” has become a living legend, from his first gold medal at age 19 to this new achievement at age 31. I have watched him win each of his three gold medals. I have to admit that I am somewhat a closet half-pipe snowboarder admirer. And I am a USA girl through and through, so anytime we win the gold, I get a little choked up.

In an interview following his amazing performance, he said, “I did what I knew I could do, and what I’ve trained to do, and it makes it all so worthwhile.” He added, “And I’m an Olympic gold medalist again. Wow.” That same interview boasted the title: GOAT: Greatest of All Time

THE FARM BOY PREACHER

The next day after White’s victory, there were many other news articles about a different man referred to as GOAT: Greatest of All Time. These articles announced the death of Billy Graham, who many proclaimed the “Greatest Preacher Of All Time.” Billy Graham passed from this life into eternal rest with Jesus, last Wednesday morning at the age of 99.

Some praised Graham as “the most important evangelist since the Apostle Paul” and “one of the most faithful followers of Jesus.” He had the privilege of preaching to more than 200 million people in his lifetime. Others reflected on the impact he had on their faith or that of loved ones. There are an untold number of people who have come to know Christ because of him. And still that legacy lives on in the next generation.

Despite his world-wide fame, Billy Graham was an humble man, even until his death. James Dobson said, “While superlatives abound regarding the life and deeds of Rev. Graham, I believe he would want us all to point our admiration and adoration back to Jesus.”

That is true. And that is what we will do.

THE SON OF GOD

It is God who creates the athlete and gives him the ability to do what seems to be impossible. It is God who creates the evangelist and gives him the message, the drive and the courage to deliver it.  Despite the fact that Billy Graham was among the greatest of men, we know that he was just a willing messenger equipped by the Lord. Jesus is the Message, and the Only One who can save us from our sins.

Make no mistake, the Greatest of All Time is neither the athlete or the evangelist or any other man or woman. The GOAT: Greatest of All Time is the One and Only, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Flying Tomato holds up the flag. The Farm Boy Preacher holds up his Bible with his arm. But the Son of God holds the weight of all the sin and shame of the World with His arms. He died for the Flying Tomato, the Farm Boy Preacher and for you and for me. While the World may compare, there is no comparison. He is the Greatest!

“As great as He is in his majesty and holiness and eternality, it is the greatness of His mercy that truly leaves us in awe, because it is His mercy in his Son that brings us sinners into the eternal joy of relationship with Him. How great is our God!” —David Mathis, Desiring God

Dear Lord: Thank You that You show us Your excellence in creation by the skills and abilities that You give to athletes, like those who participated in the Olympics. Thank You for creating each of us uniquely with gifts that we can use to serve You and others. Thank You that You used a simple farm boy named Billy Graham to share Your Word with our Country and others around the World, and to bring many to know You through the saving grace of Your Son, Jesus Christ. And, while You can and do do great things through people, our achievements are only because of You. Please empower us with boldness like Reverend Graham had to share Your message with others who need to hear it. Thank You most of all for Jesus, and for His love and sacrifice to save the whole human race from eternal death. Amen

Truly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. John 13:16

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. Isaiah 40:28

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. Please share your experiences, thoughts and comments with our group.

May our Great God bless you and your family always with His love, grace and mercy!