Sochi 2014 (Classic Rocky vs. Drago)

     In light of the 2014 Olympics, it seems fitting to share the greatest American/Russian rivalry of all time: Rocky vs. Drago.

     The story of an Italian transplant taken to the streets of Philly trying to find his place in life through being beaten senseless in the run down boxing gyms of the inner city.

     Whether it's fighting Apollo Creed, Mr. T, or Ivan Drago; we all would agree that each bout pits Rocky Balboa as quite the underdog. Maybe that's the draw for so many men; being counted as never good enough yet having that one guy, Mickey, in our corner just wittingly enough to convince us that with a little luck and determination we can reach the top.

     Do you remember Apollo Creed's bout with Russian? The lights, the glitz, the show! Who wouldn't want all the attention created for this fight? Yet, the most daunting thing imaginable happens. Countless blows to the head and body eventually culminate with one final blow and Apollo falls to the floor. And the Russian's response, "If he dies, he dies."

     That statement, "If he dies, he dies," has always struck a chord with me. I don't know why! Maybe I'm intrigued by his Russian accent or subjected to the ruthless nature of such a remark. Or maybe the profound inclination to link this drama to the true but dejected reality of the enemy's intent for people's lives today. John 10:10 says, "the thief (enemy) comes to steal, kill, and destroy." While stepping into the ring may seem glamorous and enticing for a moment, the intent of the enemy is to place ultimate defeat in the corner of those not adequately prepared for the fight.

     Enter Rocky Balboa. He boards a plane to Russia and begins to train for the fight of his life (You're humming "Eye of the Tiger." I know. We can't help it!). No shortcuts. No delays. No days off. No turning back. It's all business. He's ALL IN.

     Needless to say, through many hard fought rounds inside the ring with the Russian, Rocky Balboa prevails victorious. He made preparations for the fight. He overcame adversity. He endured to the end and held the banner of a real Champion!

     And so it is with the Christian life. The real followers of Jesus must cut out this glamorous view of Christianity. Realize that fighting for and following Jesus Christ is costly. Realize that it may require even the greatest cost; our very lives. But the payoff for enduring through the final round is undoubtedly worth encountering any affliction for the sake of knowing Jesus Christ.

     "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body" (2 Cor. 4:7-11).

     So, today, how will you battle with the enemy? Be mindful of the death of the One who went before you, Jesus Christ, that you may aspire, in His strength, to stand firm on the enduring promise of His Word to reign victorious.