If it Can Happen to Kobe, it WILL Happen to You

Last Sunday, NBA legend Kobe Bryant tragically passed away. A death like that has a way of reminding us; if it can happen to Kobe, it WILL happen to me.

There are some odd stories in the Bible. One of the early ones is in Genesis 6. The chapter opens by telling us that as people were multiplying on the face of the earth that there was a notable mixture taking place. The sons of God began to marry the daughters of man and have children with them. 

A lot of people debate the exact nature of those marriages. Were those angels intermarrying with people? I don't think so, but whatever it was or wasn't, the Bible doesn't tell us. What the Bible does tell us is the result. Nephilim.

The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown. Genesis 6:4

What were the Nephilim? They were the stuff of legends "mighty men of old, men of renown." 

We Give Birth to Nephilim

Kobe Bryant was a great basketball player. Amongst the world's best basketball players, he was elite. Until the day before his death, he was the second-leading scorer in the history of the NBA. 

But notice what will happen to Kobe Bryant now that he is gone. He will get better and better. The more we talk about him, the better he will become.

I followed Michael Jordan's career closely through my teenage years. In my opinion, he was the best player ever. But I will say, Michael Jordan wasn't nearly as good of a basketball player then as he is now. It's amazing how in retirement, he just keeps getting better. 

This is the stuff of legends. It's the way we tell stories. We give birth to Nephilim.

Then one of them dies. The news shocks us. We question if it's even true. Why? Because Nephilim, Kobes, legends never die. 

But then again, they do.

The purpose of the Genesis 6 story is not to engender debate as to the nature of the Nephilim. Genesis 6 is the introduction of the flood story. And we know what happens next. The Lord sees the wickedness of the earth and destroys it with water.

The point of introducing you to the Nephilim is to remind you, not even the legends survived.

Kobe Bryan's death is a reminder. If it can happen to him, it WILL happen to you. No one survives life. 

"But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord." - Gen. 6:8

The introduction of Noah gives us hope. Not even the legends survive life, but any of us can be saved. The most important thing we can ever do is turn to the Lord for salvation. Repent of sin and receive eternal life in Jesus Christ TODAY (John 3:16-21). 

Bible Study:

Read Hebrews 9:27-28.

• What are the truths/promises to be believed?
• According to the passage in the context of Scripture, is there an opportunity for a person to be saved after his or her death?
• According to the passage in the context of Scripture, is there an opportunity for a person to be saved after Christ returns a second time?
• What decisions about Jesus need to be made before your death and/or before His return?

Challenge:

People are talking about the death of Kobe Bryant. In the midst of your next conversation about his passing, bring up what you have learned in today's devotion and study. Share the gospel in the course of your conversation. Invite a person to repent of sin and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.