On this day in 1980 during the Winter Olympics, a team of American ice hockey players in Lake Placid faced the heavily-favored Soviet Union team. The Americans, comprising mostly amateur college players, were no match for the skill and experience of their fearsome opponents. But the outcome was a major upset as the American team beat the Soviets 4-3 in what would be called the “Miracle on Ice.” The US team went on two days later to beat Finland to secure Olympic gold.
As I watched that game 43 year ago, I was of course thrilled to see the underdog emerge victorious. But I was baffled as the goalie, Jim Craig, didn’t seem to share the excitement and glory with his teammates after beating the Soviets. Instead, he stood there on the ice, his mouth moving and he scanned the stands around him. What was he saying? It turns out, he was looking for his dad. “Where is my father? Where is my father?” he shouted, hopelessly overcome by the noise of the cheering crowd. Jim Craig had no intention of celebrating until he could find his dad.
This poignant piece from sports history serves as a reminder that we cannot carry out the Great Commission in a vacuum. As we become accustomed to the routines and patterns of movement work, we have to be careful not to become jaded and detached from the Lord of the Harvest. Just as Jesus regularly withdrew to spend time with His Father, we too must strive to stay connected, walking with Him and growing deep in His love. And with every victory, whether great or small, we must ensure that we are giving glory to Him who saved us, sent us, and enables us to fulfill His mission.
“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”
John 15.5
