Victory for Team God

“Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock.” (Eze 36:37 AV)

 

The contest tells the whole story.  From about chapter 33 to this point, the LORD uses Ezekiel to encourage backslidden Israel that God will forgive and restore them as He has promised to Abraham and David.  Chapter 36 deals a little bit more on the motive God has for restoring Israel.  It is well worth the read of all the promises which the LORD affirms with His chosen people.  Promises of restoration, redemption, and conversion.  Israel will abandon all the false religion and wickedness in favor of a relationship with God.  They will be given a new heart that will love God like never before.  They will be restored to a physical kingdom, but more importantly, spiritual prosperity which they have never known.  These promises are not given first and foremost for the benefit of the people.  As the context of this verse reveals, God will do this for His name’s sake.  Thinking on the verse, a question came to mind.  How often do I seek victory in my life solely because it would bring honor to the LORD versus seeking it for my own benefit?

There are elements of playing sports that carry over into the realm of the spiritual.  For instance, we can work, practice, and learn to improve our personal stats.  Or, we could do all this for the glory of the team.  Recently, there have been two Olympian athletes whose purpose for winning is to embarrass their native country.  One turned her back on her national anthem.  The other promised to burn his flag if he medaled.  These two Olympic athletes are not competing for the honor of their nation.  They are competing for selfish attention.  The entire meaning of the Olympics is to compete for the honor of one’s country.  If these two are so embarrassed for their nation, they should move and transfer their citizenship to a nation that meets their approval.  How hard is that to understand?  When I played sports, we were first and foremost motivated for the glory of the team.  I came across an old picture of me in my baseball shirt.  I played for the Moose lodge.  We wore those uniforms with the team name on the front.  Not on the back.  The player’s name went on the back.  Or, no name at all.  The point being, we played for ourselves second.  The team, first.  If we wanted to overcome a lack of skill, it would be for the team’s sake.  This is what every good coach teaches their players.

When it comes to victory over sin or faithlessness, why do we intercede?  Do we seek God’s hand of blessing because it will personally benefit us?  Do we seek victory over sin because we don’t like the feelings of guilt or shame?  Do we seek the power of the Holy Spirit because we fear consequence?  These are good motives.  But they are not the best.  Do we seek more faith because we don’t like the emotion of fear?  Do we seek more faith so we will have a story to tell?  Do we seek increased faith that we might do a work for God that we might gain a feeling of accomplishment?  Why do we seek answers to prayers?  It is for the glory of God first?  Do we seek an answer to prayer that His name is uplifted, glorified, and honor among all men?  Why do we seek that for which we pray?  God told Israel by the mouth of the prophet they would receive showers of blessings.  What a promise!  However, lest they misuse the blessings of God, it is understood the showers come that God may receive what He rightly deserves.  That being, the praise, and glory due His name.