We Need More Prophets Like David Robinson

Wed, Dec 2, 2009

Let me start off by saying that preaching is my favorite passion; it is what I was born to do. I never conjured this idea up to be a preacher one day and I certainly do not have the mere talents to know how to preach effectively…so God stepped in long ago and worked all of that out. When I preach, he preaches…through me…every time. There is no question that transformational preaching is a work of the Holy Spirit. That’s why, when I see others speak, preach, share, teach, encourage, I sense the overwhelming power potential in words. Words are explosive and life-changing…and when used to build up Kingdom purposes, often we are left in awe of a God who is above all, in all and through all.

So I bring you to my story. I was actually watching a speech by Andre Agassi (my tennis idol growing up) for his wife’s International Tennis Hall of Fame induction ceremony (Steffi Graf and those in attendance were in tears). It was beautiful and I was rocked by the power of a husband’s words for his wife. It made me realize what a precious gift wives are to husbands and it demonstrated the character of a man who off the court was able to give “love” a whole new meaning. I appreciated that very much. But to be honest, that speech lacked something. And it took a view of David Robinson’s Basketball Hall of Fame acceptance speech on 9/11 of this year to be reminded of what selfless, humble love looks like from someone who I regard as a TRUE pro in the sport of basketball.

I hate to admit this, but back in 1986 I was a huge Duke fan, and I remember Johnny Dawkins and Tommy Amaker playing David Robinson and the Navy Midshipmen. David was dominating back then yet had a gentlemanly disposition. He was the renaissance man of basketball…he was nice, empathetic, caring, musically talented and God-fearing. Because of this last trait, David was not as “celebrated” by the media or the fans in ways that the likes of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant or even my boy Timmy Duncan (quality guy…of course from WFU!) were idolized. But that never bothered David. He put up all-star numbers every year, believed in team, won some championships, and is one of the greatest Spurs to ever play the game; in fact, he is one of the greatest to ever play the game…period.

So, to put this all in context, I watched the Michael Jordan acceptance speech first. It was very, very long. Let’s face it, MJ is, in some minds, the greatest on the face of the earth. And I admit, he was/is very special. MJ did things on the court that few have mimicked. But because of his fame, he spoke a lot about himself, used “I” and “me” often, and relished in the opportunity to jab at some friends/teammates/opponents (God bless you Bryant Russell). And all of that is in fun. On the surface, there is nothing inherently bad about that. After all, he is being inducted into the hall of fame. But the contrast of his speech with David’s is truly night and day.

This David Robinson video is 7:46 long. I admit, I cried uncontrollably at the end of it. But with every word, with every facial expression, David is being…David. He honors those who have been there beside him, giving him the strength and the passion to become his true best. Watch how he loves his kids and his wife, his parents, his teammates, his coaches…and his heroes. But friends, I am telling you, the Spirit touched my heart when he begins (I told my wife Mandi, ‘watch him worship…it starts at 7:03′) talking about Luke 17 and the men healed of leprosy when only one comes back to thank Jesus. He has NO qualms about saying the name Jesus in front of millions but he says it with gentleness, with meekness, and with humility. As I watched him lean over the podium and focus on the words “thank you”…I see him worship God…at 7:03…watch it several times…it is almost as if time stands still as the Spirit comes over the house. It is beautiful to watch. As David closes his eyes, I can see the worship, the gratitude, the honor, the praise, and the love he has for Jesus and the things he has done for him up to this point. As tears begin to flow down my cheeks, he says something I will never forget and something, perhaps one day, I will be able to share with millions with a camera and naysayers starting at my face. As the camera slowly zooms in, his words are so moving, so precious, so divinely timed.

“And my prayer is that he will walk with you as he has walked with me all my life…”–David Robinson

I can’t help it. This, my friends, is what life is about. God, that night, was inducted into the halls of calloused and hardened hearts. Even the YouTube comments (some you have to be careful about of course!) speak to the REALNESS of his faith! Friends, even an ATHEIST says the following after viewing this beautiful video from such a beautiful man of God:

“From Spain: It’s nice when you can admire the man, not only the player. I’m a convinced atheist, but you can always admire someone so true to his faith and believes. Really heartfelt speech.”

So may all of you be convinced followers of Christ, like David Robinson, a man who blessed us on the court, but who has honored the heavenly courts of Christ and has amazing jewels stored up for his crown in heaven one day because of his faithfulness in sharing his faith unequivocally and unabashedly. What has overcome the world? Our faith.

Thank you, God, for showing your love for your children on national television through your servant, David Robinson. I hope to be half the husband and father that he is to his family. May this note and video serve to encourage you and remind you of what truly matters, eternally.

For 7:46, in less than 8 minutes, I watched a man serve others and he honored God with bold words about the Jesus who saved us from ourselves.

I will probably always cry when I watch this. When you see him worship, pause, close your eyes, and ask God for a passion to love others with the name of Jesus always on your lips.

I love you all so very much and may this demonstrate how much I love each of you so very deeply.