When boxing was in its hay day in America, Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran were in their prime, slugging it out in 3 title bouts. On November 25th, 1980, the Louisiana Super Dome hosted their first rematch as Leonard tried to regain the WBC Welterweight belt he lost in their first fight. Nicknamed Manos de Piedra by his native Panama, Duran’s hands of stone appeared mortal. Near the end of the 8th round, Roberto gave up, waving his gloves in the air, signaling his surrender to the referee. A stunned crowd and opponent, waited for an explanation. In response, Duran replied, “no mas, no mas; no more boxing!”
Sometime around 1465 B.C. a similar duel took place in Egypt. When Aaron and Moses threatened Egypt with a series of plagues if their king, Pharaoh did not allow the descendents of Israel to offer sacrifices to God in the desert, tensions flared, Exodus 7:8-13. To counter God’s power, Pharaoh called on the magicians and sorcercer’s of his day, who relied on secrets arts passed down to them, Exodus 7:11. These wise men went toe to toe with God for 3 rounds equaling each miracle performed by Aaron using the staff God gave Moses. However, when the 4th plague began, Exodus 8:16-19, the magicians knew they were beaten. Instead of saying No Mas like Duran, they broke the bad news to Pharaoh in Exodus 8:19, “this is the finger of God that can’t be duplicated.”
Within the pages of John 15:1-8, Jesus uses a parable to help people understand a secret to life. On your own, you are limited, powerless to reach your full potential, John 15:6. However, if you choose to stay connected to the vine, Jesus, by making time for prayer, study and worship, you will bear great amounts of spiritual fruit, John 15:5. In order to obtain this spiritual state, you have to reach a breaking point like Roberto Duran and Pharaoh, proclaiming “no mas!” Just as the apostle Paul learned the hard way, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, when you are at your weakest, Christ is strongest, ready at a moment’s notice to come to your rescue.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 