The Best Team Of Football

Liba Hopeson *

If you are a Footballer or football fan, let me ask a simple question: Which country is the best national football team in the world, and which 11 men were they? I am sure many would quickly reflect the 5 times FIFA World Cup winners - Brazil National Team or some may say, the defending champion of the last 2010 FIFA World Cup winners' Spanish National Team. But surprisingly the defending champions are out of the ongoing World Cup competition in Brazil. They may have many reasons for their early exits, and the team cannot even make it to the last 16. Some may opinions that due to not playing the qualification round from the early stages to improve their team game/work. Maybe their advantage of the World Cup winner for 2010 in South Africa may also have many disadvantage of their direct entry into the World Cup Finals?

After the early exits of Spain from the football greatest competition in Brazil, the world right now is without any champion until the new winner emerges. Who do you think will be the new world champion? Please don't refer me to go ocean and find for another "Octopus" to predict the World Cup winner. Let's not give another headache to the innocent octopus. Let alone live for themselves, not for man's prediction.

Every team members are the best one's selected to represent their National Team. The 'Ultimate Goal' of every team is to win for their country, and that's what we call 'passion'. But for time-being let's changed our mindset from football, and focus on another team who plays and win souls for Jesus!

The team is far better than those of the best National Teams competing in the ongoing World Cup finals in Brazil. This team always wins that does not dissolve with the passing of time. And this best team of all time, they were made up of Peter, John, James, Andrew, Bartholomew, Thomas, Thaddeus, James, Philip, Matthew and Simon. You might be confused, what team were they on? Actually they were not a sports team at all, but these eleven ordinary men are the team capable to change and transform the world through their Coach Jesus.

You too can be part of this extraordinary team; they play to represent their Master. Teams in which everyone is essential, and which everyone can join, no specific qualities are needed. It is a team that lasts forever, not only for this lifetime but even beyond. "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever" 1Cor.9:25.

Their Coach (Jesus) had died but rose again (resurrected) after 3 days, so that, He will give them a finest instructions to play as one of the best team ever and always. And the Coach after giving them assignments ascended to heaven, 'He was at peace'. He knew that He was leaving behind the best "eleven players" capable of winning every game they play and even to win the entire world on their side. So that the world will know, "who is their Coach?" The simple answer is, "Jesus of Nazareth." He only spent 3 years coaching His players, teaching them everything about the match and also about the spiritual game of life! Jesus trained to these eleven ordinary men, for it was "God's Divine Plan".

There was no other team like them, very dedicated and committed to fulfill the task of their Coach. What would have been if the plan had failed? God didn't allow the angels to play for them (preach the gospel). He didn't leave signs written in heaven. God didn't speak in loud voice which carried across the universe so that men would know His divine will. God's entire plan was put into the hands of these eleven ordinary men, without human power, fearful, and doubting, but they are playing with the help of Coach's empowerment of His Supernatural Power - the unseen coach to help them win the precious souls for Jesus – w.o.w (winning our world) to Jesus!

Well, there is only one condition for joining this team; to be the child of the owner - God Himself. And the Bible tells us how to do it John 1:12, receiving Jesus in our life, and believing in Him. The object of this team is the most important one that has ever existed; to govern the universe.

God is preparing the members of this team to play roles we have never even imagined. When you think of businessmen, kings, or governors that have thousands of people and projects in their hands…remember that they are nothing in comparison with the incredible business God has prepared for His team. Our decisions are transcendental, not only here on earth but in the visible and invisible universe. God's team is the best and the most important team that will last forever. A team in which every member is essential and play on the same team like all brothers. Serving leaders with a serving attitude! Turn them into intelligent (wise) human beings.

The team: 11 disciples like a soccer team: The final instructions given by Coach Jesus before His team starts to perform: 'The fruit of a mentor is the character of the Disciples He forms' Matt.7:17. "Send them - Go Forth to the World and Make Disciples of All Nations" Matt.28:18. Coach goal is – "This Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations and then the end will come" Matt.24:14.

Would You Like to Be Part of - The Best Team of All Time?

If Jesus asks you to recruit a gospel team of player to play for Him, what would be your answer? Let me tell you this, it is not too difficult to have a team, if you're willing to play in His team. He already has given you the gifts and talents to be in His team to champion the world for Him! One can have a team of believers having a strong Christian character with dignity, who have the burden to win souls for the Lord. YES………….you can be one of the players to transform the world upside-down with the gospel of Christ Jesus!!

- Pray for the World Cup CROWDS in Brazil - "Jesus Wept" for them!

Blessings,