A Victory That Nets Immortality

Earlier this week, sports fans were treated to an incredible national championship game between Memphis and Kansas. As I sat down on my couch and turned on the TV right before the game, I was caught off guard by a statement made by one of the TV announcers. In introducing the starting lineup for the Memphis Tigers, the announcer made this statement, “One more victory will net them immortality.” I’m sure the announcer was trying to find the right word to describe the significance of a national championship victory for Memphis. At a record of 38-1, Memphis had already set the NCAA record for wins in a single season. They also tied Kentucky for the most wins in a three year stretch at 104. Winning the national championship would cap off an incredible season and seal the Memphis basketball team in the record books.

Memphis did not win the game, but the word “immortality” was brought up again in an article in the New York Post. Lenn Robbins wrote an article on April 9 titled, “Tigers Let Immortality Slip Away” and writes about how this happened.

Click here to read the article.

The reality is that championships and records will not last forever, nor will they immortalize those who achieve them. The Scriptures tell us that only God is eternally immortal and He alone has the power to give us immortality. 1 Timothy 1:17 refers to God as immortal, “To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory and forever and ever. Amen” Paul goes on to tell us in 1 Timothy 6:16 in describing Jesus Christ, “who alone has immortality…”

The victory that Jesus Christ won on the cross and in His resurrection from the dead is the only way that we can "net" immortality. 2 Timothy 1:10 refers to this victory in saying, “and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel”.

Man’s way tells us that trophies and records will last forever. God way tells us these temporary crowns will perish. Another stark contrast between God’s way and man’s way of doing sports.