Ohio State Football Star Wears the ‘Jersey of Jesus’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Ohio State football wide receiver Emeka Egbuka not only wears the red and white Buckeyes uniform but also dons “the jersey of Jesus Christ” each day.
“When we were all recruits and we went here to Ohio State and we did the photo shoot and we put on the jerseys, you cannot wait to get the photos and post them online,” he said in an episode of “The Walk” podcast. “I did this visit at Ohio State. I have an offer. Then it’s like, okay, we apply that same stuff to our faith. Like we wear the jersey of Jesus Christ. We’re part of the kingdom of heaven. That’s our team. If we’re ashamed to be part of this team, is that really something that we’re excited about?”
READ MORE: OHIO STATE WR SAYS PEACE ONLY COMES THROUGH JESUS
Egbuka continued: “So, I feel like the things that you are excited about in life, how much more excited should you be about the one who gives you eternal life? So, I think that’s kind of what comes to mind when Paul’s talking about being unashamed of the faith.”
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The scripture Egbuka is referring to is 2 Timothy 1:8-14 where Paul urges Timothy to be unashamed of Christ and the suffering and persecution that come along with being a Christian.
2 Timothy 1:8-14 reads:
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
The college football star uses his platform to share the Gospel regularly.
On his birthday, he shared his prayer.
Dear Father,
22 years of life and you have been walking with me every step of the way. Thank you for remaining faithful to me when I was not faithful to you. Thank you for the blessings and opportunities you have presented me with. I pray that this new year of life would lead to deeper fellowship with you Lord, and a new level of intimacy in the secret place. Increase my wisdom, strength, and humility as I continue to seek you. Allow me to use my platform to speak the truth and draw others nearer to you. I pray that you shower the person reading this right now in your love. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
Earlier this school year, Egbuka helped lead an event on campus that saw nearly 60 students baptized.
“The world didn’t give me this joy, the world can’t take it away. I had this new feeling in my heart that the Holy Spirit implanted into me,” Egbuka shared at the event. “And so since then, it was really a radical change for me. I started walking more obediently with God. I started seeking Him day after day. He’s worked on me, and I’ve had this grace of people in my life to get to this point.”
READ MORE: GOD BRINGS REVIVAL TO OHIO STATE FOOTBALL TEAM, CAMPUS
