April 16 - Michael Jordan's Final Game
Navigating the Fine Line Between Admiration and Idolatry
This is the day Michael Jordan, the legendary basketball player, played his final NBA game in 2003.
In today's devotional, we will explore the delicate balance between healthy admiration and the trap of idolatry, as seen through the lens of a basketball legend's final game. How can we celebrate extraordinary talent without veering into idol worship? What does it mean to truly honor God in a world captivated by human achievements?
"You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below." - Exodus 20:3-4 (NIV)
This Date in History
On April 16, 2003, an era in basketball and sports history drew to a close as Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, stepped onto the court for his final NBA game. This momentous event took place in Philadelphia, where Jordan, playing for the Washington Wizards, was not just concluding a season but was closing the chapter on an illustrious 15-season career that had reshaped the landscape of professional basketball.
Jordan's journey to this day began in Brooklyn, New York, in 1963, but it was in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he honed his skills, and at the University of North Carolina where he first showcased his talent on a national stage. Drafted third overall by the Chicago Bulls in 1984, Jordan's ascent was meteoric, capturing the imagination of fans with his scoring prowess, defensive skills, and above all, an unquenchable thirst for victory. Throughout the 1990s, Jordan led the Bulls to six NBA championships, earning five Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards and becoming a global icon synonymous with excellence, competitiveness, and the sheer joy of basketball.
The final game, though not a championship decider or a high-stakes playoff, was symbolic, marking the end of an era not only for Jordan but for the NBA and sports worldwide. The Philadelphia crowd, aware of the significance, paid homage to Jordan's unparalleled career with a three-minute standing ovation, a touching acknowledgment of his contributions to the game. Opponents and teammates alike looked on with respect and admiration, recognizing the end of an era. Jordan's impact transcended his statistical achievements; he had become a cultural icon, inspiring a generation of athletes and fans with his work ethic, competitiveness, and success.
Jordan's farewell game was not just a farewell to a player but a farewell to a legend who had become the embodiment of basketball excellence. His career, filled with breathtaking moments, game-winning shots, and relentless pursuit of greatness, had inspired countless individuals. Jordan had not just left an indelible mark on the NBA; he had forever altered the global sports landscape, setting new standards for excellence, dedication, and influence in sports.
Historical Context
The backdrop of Michael Jordan's illustrious career and eventual farewell to basketball is deeply intertwined with the evolution of the NBA and the broader landscape of global sports during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The NBA of the 1980s and 1990s, the period during which Jordan rose to prominence, was marked by rapid growth in popularity, commercialization, and global reach. This era witnessed the emergence of television as a pivotal medium for sports broadcasting, significantly expanding the NBA's audience and transforming its players into global icons. Jordan's ascendancy coincided with this transformative period, and his marketability helped propel the league to unprecedented heights.
During Jordan's career, the NBA also became more globalized, with an increasing number of international players joining the league and games being broadcast worldwide. This globalization mirrored wider societal and technological trends, as the internet and satellite TV made it easier for fans around the world to follow the NBA and idolize its stars. Jordan's Chicago Bulls were among the first truly global sports brands, with fans across the globe donning Bulls jerseys and emulating Jordan's playing style and competitive spirit.
The era was also characterized by significant shifts in athlete empowerment and commercial endorsements. Jordan was at the forefront of this movement, leveraging his on-court success to build a personal brand that included lucrative deals with major corporations, most notably Nike. This partnership not only revolutionized athlete endorsements but also the sports apparel industry, with the Air Jordan becoming an iconic symbol of basketball and youth culture worldwide.
Additionally, the period of Jordan's dominance was marked by shifts in training, player development, and team dynamics. The intense focus on physical conditioning, skill development, and strategic play, hallmarks of Jordan's approach to the game, influenced a generation of players and coaches. The NBA's competitive landscape during this time was characterized by fierce rivalries, the emergence of dynasty teams, and a style of play that emphasized individual talent within a team context.
Did You Know?
Michael Jordan was initially cut from his high school varsity basketball team, a setback that fueled his competitive drive and work ethic, leading to his eventual dominance in the sport.
Learn More
Michael Jordan: The Life by Roland Lazenby
Playing for Keeps: Michael Jordan and the World He Made by David Halberstam
Jordan Rules by Sam Smith
Driven from Within by Michael Jordan
Wikipedia: Michael Jordan
Today’s Reflection
Imagine the frenzy of Michael Jordan's farewell tour in 2003. Arenas packed with worshipful fans cheering feverishly, desperate for one final glimpse of their basketball deity before he ascended to the Mount Olympus of retired legends. Kids worldwide emulating His Airness's signature tongue wag and ballet-like split-legged layups on driveways and playgrounds.
It was more than a celebration of a venerated career - it bordered on idolatry.
Sure, Jordan's exploits were mind-blowing. His fiery competitiveness elevated a kid's game into an art form of soaring dunks and Game 7 heroics. He was the very embodiment of athletic excellence and an undeniable cultural icon.
But at what point does admiration veer into unhealthy obsession? When do we cross the line of projecting superhuman, almost divine qualities onto mortal men and women?
This tendency to idolize elite athletes, musicians, actors - really anyone who demonstrates extraordinary talent or achievement in their field - is ultimately a rebellion against the first of the Ten Commandments: "You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3 NIV). God's people quickly fell into the idolatry trap, as did most ancient civilizations, fashioning idols to reverence and worship.
The idols just look different today. Instead of literal carved images, we chisel idols out of pop culture narratives and brand mythologies. Like golden calves of previous eras, we elevate those who fascinate us onto pedestals, ascribing to them hero status worthy of blind allegiance and even veneration.
But God's heart remains the same - a jealous love for His creation meant to be an exclusive relationship. When we make idols of fleeting human accomplishments, ascribing too much significance to temporal triumphs, we displace the rightful reign of our Heavenly Father. Every Michael Jordan tongue wag points not to the glory of an elite player, but to the infinitely creative majesty of our Creator. A masterful athletic display serves as but a dim reflection of God's limitless greatness.
Tragically, this slippery slope of idolatry reaches far beyond sports. We're all susceptible to swapping the worship of God for the glorification of celebrity moguls, influencers, entrepreneurs, cultural luminaries, and even politicians who possess the world's fame and fortune. Could it be that our ravenous appetite for following their feeds and idolizing their lifestyles reveals a gaping God-shaped void we're seeking to fill?
As Christ-followers called to have "no other gods" before our Lord, we'd be wise to take regular spiritual inventory to assess where our affections have become misplaced, where our priorities have strayed from Kingdom principles. Perhaps you've found yourself projecting unhealthy and disproportionate interest onto some figure or cause at the expense of your relationship with Jesus. We must acknowledge that whenever we fail to render all glory to God, insidious idolatry has infected our hearts.
So rather than fashioning new 21st century "golden calves" out of the latest sports phenom, tech billionaire or pop megastar, may we instead align our ultimate adoration and allegiance to the Creator of all good and perfect gifts. The One whose mind-blowing power, imagination and strength put every Michael Jordan tongue wag or MJ logo to shame. For only in undistracted worship of Him will we find true, lasting wholeness and purpose.
Practical Application
Reflect on your personal heroes and the role they play in your life. Consider writing a journal entry about how your admiration for these individuals aligns with your spiritual values. Evaluate whether this admiration encourages you to emulate qualities that are pleasing to God, or if it distracts from your relationship with Him. Use this reflection as an opportunity to realign your focus towards God, ensuring that your ultimate allegiance is to Him alone.
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You acknowledging the temptation to place Your creation above the Creator. Help us discern between healthy admiration and idolatry, especially in a world that glorifies human achievement. Guide our hearts to find their ultimate satisfaction and meaning in You alone. Remind us that while it's natural to appreciate the talents You've bestowed upon others, our worship and devotion belong to You, the source of every good and perfect gift. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Supplementary Study
Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
This command emphasizes the importance of vigilance against idolatry in all its forms, aligning with today's theme by urging believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
This verse challenges us to examine what we value most, encouraging a reflection on whether our hearts are more focused on earthly or heavenly treasures, a pertinent consideration in today's discussion on idolatry.
For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.
This passage reflects on the folly of idolatry, reminding us that worship belongs to God, the Creator, rather than His creations, no matter how admirable they may be.
Final Thoughts
In the grand arena of life, where fleeting glories and the roar of the crowd can easily sway our hearts, the story of Michael Jordan's iconic farewell reminds us to ponder where our true loyalties lie. It serves as a poignant reminder that while excellence and achievement merit recognition, they should never eclipse our ultimate devotion to God. Let this reflection encourage us to assess the pedestals we build and to ensure that our admiration for human accomplishments always leads us back to the awe of our Creator, whose glory and majesty are unmatched.
Community Engagement
Share your own thoughts or use these questions to get the conversation started.
What memorable moments from Michael Jordan's career stand out to you?
How do you personally distinguish between admiration and idolatry in your life?
In what ways can we celebrate human achievement without crossing into idolatry?
Reflect on a time when you realized your admiration for someone, or something, was overshadowing your relationship with God. What did you learn?
In tomorrow's devotional, we'll explore the power of influence and choice, unraveling how the echoes of decisions reverberate through history. Delve into a tale of caution and reflection, inviting us to scrutinize the paths we tread.
This is a great piece, especially about idolatry, during the digital age. So much truth is being exposed about Hollywood, that this feels needed right now. Couple points....I'm completely infatuated with God's love for me. I've learned to put him first and I've been rewarded for it. But... the Bible does say if you love a lie, God gives you to it. Some people won't be able to hear the truth in your article.
Its also sad jordan himself has never really appeared to come to terms with the end of his so called glory days.