The 2024 Indian Wells 1000 event saw Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek crowned as champions. Both were at the top of their game and winning was not new to them. Their skills were amazing, at times unfathomable. So, at that very moment, no one was equal to them.
Ahead of them are the Miami Open and the major Grand Slams, all of which may see new champions crowned. And prior to their victories, scores of other players were similarly crowned.
Champions—yes. But whether for an event, a year, or perhaps a decade, their crowns will vanish; others will take their place on the podiums and their equals will be the newly minted champions. Their greatness on the courts will be surpassed.
Isaiah presents us with a different kind of champion to whom no one or nothing can be compared (40:25):
“To whom will you compare me?
Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.
In Isaiah 40 we read, in majestic verse and with overpowering images, of a God to whom there is no comparison: today, yesterday, and tomorrow.
Who else is the answer to these questions?
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,
or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?
Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket,
or weighed the mountains on the scales
and the hills in a balance?
Athletes need coaches to succeed, but…
Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him,
and who taught him the right way?
Who was it that taught him knowledge,
or showed him the path of understanding?
Athletes tire, some even forfeit games because they cannot continue, but…
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength
Our God is unfathomable and has no comparison. But, because He is our God, we are all champions.
Photo: Courtesy of tennis.com and Robert Prange
