Center for Creative Ministry A research organization and research center for Seventh-day Adventist pastors and their congregations
The Nations: Part 2
After missing the playoffs for the third time in four years, and finishing the 2024-2025 season at the bottom of the standings, the Seattle Kraken ownership group decided it was time to make a leadership change.
And thus, they decided to relieve general manager Ron Francis–who had failed to sign elite talent during his four-year tenure–and promote him to president of hockey operations.
Francis’ assistant general manager, Jason Botterill, was named the franchise’s new general manager. Botterill’s previous but brief stint as a GM lasted from 2017-2020 with a struggling Buffalo Sabres organization whose last playoff appearance came in 2011.
The two promotions–and the firing of a coach who had only one season to work with the fractured roster–leave Kraken fans dismayed.
Fans take to Reddit and other social media platforms like Facebook to voice their concerns over the future of the team.
Some suggest that the ownership group doesn’t understand the sport, while others joke about the team, a member of the Pacific Division of the NHL, sinking to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. And there’s the crowd that demands to know how those who failed at their managerial positions were elevated higher in the leadership hierarchy.
Even Sabres fans have joined the conversation, offering condolences to the fanbase while laughing at the Kraken’s apparent mismanagement.
As astounding as the Kraken’s handling is, it’s not entirely new to the sports world. Dallas Mavericks management recently, shockingly sent NBA star Luka Doncic packing, and the Cleveland Browns went all-in on flopped quarterback Deshawn Watson.
Obviously, all three teams are now ripping apart at the seams. Management had the opportunity to heed the warnings, but they thought they knew better.
Ignoring the warning flags is pretty stupid, pretty selfish, but our first parents did something even worse. They broke a command. Why? We know that Eve wanted to be like God (Genesis 3:6) and the motive was probably much the same for Adam. It was the first instance in human history of elevating self to God’s level.
Ironically, the opposite happened. Our first parents were removed from Eden, their son was slain by their other son, and soon sin abounded.
Time and again humanity would attempt elevating itself, as evidenced by the Tower of Babel and the various religio-political kingdoms that cropped up. Things continued progressing from bad to worse.
King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, found in Daniel 2, was a prophecy of what would continue to happen to the world’s kings and nations as a result of selfish ambition and self-idolization. The prophecy came to pass.
Revelation informs us that more destruction is coming. The three angels warn us to turn back to God or be part of the destruction.
Prophecy has already come true. What’s stopping Revelation’s prophecies from coming to fruition?
Stability is only possible under the One True King, and we know that time is coming. In the meantime, we need to keep our eyes and hearts on God, and share the urgent message of the gospel.
For Reflection
Connecting: Consider Nebuchadnezzar’s first prophetic dream. How can we draw hope from it despite the turbulence of the world in which we live?
Sharing: There’s a reason the saying “Never discuss religion or politics” exists. People tend to dig their heels in deep when it comes to their political views. What method best helps you resist delving into heated political discourse and feeling antagonized by those who hold different political viewpoints?
- Remembering that the Bible reveals that all nations are flawed without God as the One True King
- Praying for the peace of Christ
- Avoiding political news and discussions
- Believing that Jesus is coming soon
- Remembering that, despite our differences, each of us is made in the image of Christ
- Other:
Applying: Eve desired to be like God. How do you avoid falling into the same temptation? Discuss among your group, and be prepared to share your answer for future use when someone confides in you about their own temptations.
Valuing: Adam and Eve’s choice to sin has authorized harm for all of humanity. Imagine the pain they would feel seeing the devastation their offspring have, continue to, and will face. But we all find ourselves in a similar situation to theirs–our choices impact others. Are we using our influence to bring life, or harm, to others?
~ Stefani Leeper
The Center for Creative Ministry is fully recognized by the North American Division (NAD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church; it is also a 501c3 nonprofit organization which makes donations tax deductible in the U.S.
