The Miracle Of All Miracles

It was exactly 32 years today (February 22) that the so-called “Miracle on Ice” occurred in Lake Placid, New York. The Olympic contest between an amateur U.S. college level team and the  professional world-class Russian squad  is still seen as the most significant and single greatest upset in all of sports history.

It was more than a hockey game back then due to the timing. It took place at the height of the cold war. It seemed to represent the two sides who were using the Olympic games to try and show the world which way of life was really superior. Several years ago a movie was produced called simply, “Miracle”. The film accurately portrayed the event and showed the world climate that made this far more than just a hockey game. Unfortunately Herb Brooks, the master-mind coach of Team U.S.A., died before the movie was released. But at the very end of the movie the words were flashed on the screen, “Herb Brooks tragically died in a car accident and was able to not to see “Miracle”.
But he lived it.”

Interestingly, the actual term ‘miracle’ is only used a few times in our English Bibles despite how many the Lord performed Himself along with the many others seen throughout both the Old and New Testaments. But the single greatest miracle ever cannot even be compared to anything else on earth - whether that be in sports or any other realm. It is so far beyond any other unexplainable event that is should not even worthy to be mentioned in the same context.

The single greatest miracle is the salvation of a human soul. That event is shown in many biblical references but clearly seen in Colossians 1:13-14. Paul reveals there the miracle of all miracles stating,  “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”

Those who have experienced the above transformation may love sports. Sometimes they love it a little too much to the point of it becoming life’s top priority. But the “Miracle on Ice” should remind all believers of the miracle that took place in the manger, on the cross, in the tomb, and then in their own hearts. And it should also serve to remind them that they are on a very special team – one where they are active players and are to be helping to point others to the most desperately needed miracle of all – forgiveness of sin and new life in Christ! That biblical command, and task, is expressed by the Apostle Paul in his second letter to the church at Corinth.

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.”  (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Those in Christ through saving faith should be somewhat like what was said about Coach Brooks. They should not be sitting back and watching life go by like some movie. But they should be involved and committed fully to 'Living the ‘Miracle’ of salvation - a life that is, without question, proven to be vastly superior and one that is guaranteed to last forever!

Bill Breckenridge