The G.O.A.T.

DEVOTIONS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The G.O.A.T. 

When you think of the greatest athletes, a few names might pop into your mind:  Michael Jordan… Tiger Woods… Babe Ruth… Roger Federer… Lionel Messi… Wayne Gretzky (aptly nicknamed, “The Great One.”)  And if you live in New England like me, a guy named Tom Brady will always be known as, “The G.O.A.T.” – the Greatest Of All Time.

We use the word “great” for a lot of things other than sports stars these days.  A great meal, great weather, a great song.  Donald Trump made a national campaign out of “Making America Great Again.”  But, needless to say, the world's concept of great is a far cry from what God considers great.

Outside of the sports realm, the world's idea of greatness usually consists of power and authority.  There are several so-called "great" characters from secular history mentioned in the Bible.  In these examples, we see the contrast between the world’s view of greatness, and what God sees as "great."  God's concept isn’t measured in power or prestige.  He sees greatness in those who serve others voluntarily and sacrificially. 

Jesus touched on this in Luke 22:24-27.  The disciples were foolishly arguing among themselves about who would be the greatest.  Jesus told them, 

“In this world, the kings and great men lord it over their people…  But among you it will be different.  Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant… For I am among you as one who serves.”

Nebuchadnezzar the Great

Nebuchadnezzar was one of the most powerful rulers the world has ever seen.  As the head of the neo-Babylonian empire, even Daniel acknowledged Nebuchadnezzar’s secular distinction: "For you have grown strong and great; your greatness reaches up to heaven, and your rule to the ends of the earth" (Daniel 4:22). 

Unfortunately, Nebuchadnezzar was obsessed with his own grandeur.  "Look at this great city of Babylon!  By my own mighty power, I have built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendor” (Daniel 4:30).  

Because of Nebuchadnezzar's self-centered “greatness,” God humbled him.  The king became severely mentally challenged and was reduced to the behavior of an animal.

Thankfully, the story has a truly great ending.  God mercifully restored Nebuchadnezzar's sanity, and the king realized the Lord’s concept of true greatness.  His focus shifted from himself to God.  "After this time had passed… I praised and worshiped the Most High” (Daniel 4:34).  "Now I praise and glorify and honor the King of heaven” (Daniel 4:37).

Alexander the Great

We all remember this name from history class.  Alexander, a Greek military general, swiftly conquered much of the then-known world.  This earned him the title of "the Great" in human history, but God didn’t recognize Alexander as “great”.  Scripture clearly predicted that when the "Grecian goat” magnified himself, God would break him (Daniel 8:5-8, 21-22).

After Alexander conquered Egypt, he essentially declared himself the “son of a god.”  He built shrines to himself in sacred pagan temples.  In the last year of his life, he demanded divine treatment.  But this self-proclamation of deity spelled his doom.  No one can share God’s supremacy and glory (Isaiah 42:8), and God removed Alexander when he was only 32 years old.  

Zechariah 9 mentions Alexander, and his conquest is traced through Syria (v1-2a), Phoenicia (v2b-4) and Philistia (v5-8).  But he never conquered or destroyed Jerusalem.  God said, "I will guard my Temple and protect it from invading armies" (v8).  Even Alexander the Great couldn’t overstep the boundaries that God had established.

God actually used Alexander to accomplish His own purposes.  From the Lord’s perspective, Alexander's main contribution was the spread of the Greek language and culture.  This later facilitated the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!  

Herod the Great 

Herod is known as one of the greatest builders of all time.  Remnants of his structures still stand to this day.  He built the magnificent Jewish Temple that was used during the life of Jesus.  But God never called him "Herod the Great."  In fact, in Scripture he’s best known for ordering the terrible massacre of the babies of Bethlehem. 

Herod had no concern for people or for God.  He only cared about his own security and preserving his power.  His paranoia led him to murder -- even murdering his own family members.   

How could the world ever refer to a person like this as "Great"?  Because the world's concept of greatness is not the same as God's.  The Lord always puts care and concern for people over the accumulation of worldly power, wealth, or accomplishments.

Jesus Christ

Jesus is not remembered for military exploits or architectural feats, but for His service to mankind.  His goal was not self-preservation, but self-sacrifice.

Zechariah 9:9-10 shows us the contrast of the predicted truly great King.  His advent would be marked by humility.  He wouldn’t come on a war-horse, but a lowly colt.  He wouldn’t come as a powerful conqueror, but as a humble and righteous peasant, bringing peace, and proclaiming spiritual salvation to all who would listen.  He would come to serve others, not Himself.

Philippians 2 tells of His sacrifice for others.  Jesus, God Himself, "gave up his divine privileges, he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being… he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” 

In the secular world's eyes, Jesus is credited with being a “good man.”  The world is willing to say "Jesus, the Good” - but not “Jesus, the Great."  However, Jesus personified God's concept of true greatness.  "Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names" (Philippians 2:7-9). 

What is our concept of greatness?  Making a “great” name for ourselves in the world?  Enjoying a “great” lifestyle by acquiring or holding onto earthly wealth?  Chasing worldly success or power? 

Or is our ultimate goal to honor God and build up His kingdom?  

Imagine leaving a legacy like Nebuchadnezzar, Alexander or Herod.  Imagine being known only for a life of worldly achievement!  We know that’s not God’s idea. 

Let’s resolve to live like Jesus—the true Greatest Of All Time—through lives of loving service for others.

"Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be servant of all." (Mark 10:44).

- Dave Reid

(Updated 2023, Ron Reid)