Acts 20 | Encouragement in GoodbyesSample

Coaching the Goodbye

In 1980, the United States hockey team, made up of college kids, did what was considered impossible at the Olympics held in Lake Placid, New York. They defeated the undefeated professional Russian hockey team against all odds and hope.

In the movie Miracle, Kurt Russell plays Herb Brooks, the coach of the US team. Like all coaches, he encouraged his team before the start of the game, knowing that his players were walking into a lion’s den with the odds overwhelmingly in the Russians' favor.

Looking back at this locker room speech, it contains three elements: (1) their legitimacy to be playing against the Russians, (2) the struggles that they would face, and (3) encouragement to give it their all, regardless of the final outcome.

Coach Brooks’s speech reflects Paul’s final words to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:17-32.

Paul starts by anchoring their history together and the shared call of Christ they have together. He warns them of what he will face, and then transitions to what they will face too, for Christ and his gospel. Because together they are the shepherds striving to protect the flock from the wolves both outside and inside their churches. He encourages them to be ready. To press on. To hang in there. He encourages them with the words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The goodbye is filled with next steps – a future hope and cause together.

Make no mistake, being a disciple of Jesus puts us face-to-face with overwhelming odds from things which are opposed to Christ and his message – like David did when he faced Goliath. If you are facing overwhelming odds, remember, take comfort and encouragement knowing that Jesus fought the same battles, suffering and dying for us. Hear his encouragement! Know that Jesus fights for you. Comfort and encourage those facing the same. We have victory in him.