In 2020, after looking down the hallway of time, Sports historians declared that the most famous boxing match of all time happened in 1975, in a final trilogy between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. It was not only the most anticipated match in history, but it settled, once and for all, which boxer was superior, and set the stage for their legacies.
On a far greater scale, this is true of Jesus who came to earth to defeat death. He, the Author of Life, entered the ring to “taste death for every person.” When Jesus died, the disciples were numb with disbelief. How could it be? But Jesus arose and the Apostles were sent out to tell the world that God has made a Declaration… “Jesus Christ, made of the seed of David according to the flesh, is declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead!” (Romans 1:4)
This “Declaration” is the heart of the Great Commission… “All power is given to Me in Heaven and in earth. Go therefore and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:18-20). The Cross has set the stage for the final match to come – the most anticipated of all time. The Champion is returning to swallow death in victory… “O death, I will be your plague; O grave, I will be thy destruction!”
From Mars Hill in Athens, a place where every false religion and philosophy could be found, Paul heralded Jesus’ victory over death and called people to change sides and choose Christ… “God commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a Day in which He shall judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He has declared (pointed-out): having given proof to everyone by raising Him from the dead!” (Acts 17:31).
It's been 2000 years. The nations have heard. The cameras are ready. The stage is set. The final match is about to begin. We're just waiting for our Champion to make His entrance. Hallelujah.
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