|PIC1|These two international sports with similar histories, M V Tronson said, have recalled their greatest heroes to coach their national teams.
Argentina has called upon Deigo Maradona, their greatest player of all time (some would say the best the modern world has seen) to coach their national football (soccer) team. Although he has no coaching experience at this level, his reputation to lift a side is second to none. He shared FIFA's 'Player-of the Century' award with post-war Brazilian soccer super star Pele.
The headline in 'The Australian' newspaper read "Argentina calls upon the hand of God", alluding to the 1986 World Cup quarter final win over England in which Maradona had risen above goal keeper Peter Shilton to send the ball sailing into the goal. From the angle shown by the camera it was difficult to ascertain whether or not it was hit with Maradona's head or fist. Maradona made an infamous reference to the 'Hand of God'.
In a parallel situation, the Hockey Australia has called upon Ric Charlesworth to coach the Kookaburras. He has had an unblemished record with the Hockeyroos, having coached them to win three Olympic gold medals.
Ric Charlesworth is synonymous with field hockey. He was consistently named as the world's best hockey player throughout the 1980's, and his career highlight was being part of the team that won the 1986 World Cup in London.
"What is truly fascinating is that in the world of international sports where 'winning' is obviously the ultimate goal, such names as Maradona and Charlesworth bring such respect because of the reputation these sportsmen have gained as being able to demonstrate, and ask of others, feats that seem more than humanly possible," M V Tronson noted.
"Yet, for Christians the world over, the name of Jesus Christ remains above all names as one who inspires more than is humanly possible."
Therefore he asks, what it is about the name of 'Jesus Christ' that brings such passion, by both believers and non-believers? In this case, it is not a sports competition!
"Although sports writers might refer to Maradona and Charlesworth as 'divine' in their sporting endeavours, Maradona and Charlesworth, knowing their own hearts all to well, would be the first ones to deny any membership of Diety," M V Tronson mused.
"However," Mark Tronson concluded, "the central issue of Jesus Christ is indeed the question which raises such passions: 'is He, who He claims He is?'"