The Quick 4-0 Sweep

The NBA and NHL Playoffs are in the middle of the second round, and of course, the goal for every best-of-7 series is to be the first team to win four games and advance.

As neutral fans, we enjoy when a series goes to seven games, but when our team is in it, we love when they can pull off the sweep, going 4-0 against their opponent. 

Knicks fans are excited because New York wrapped up their sweep on Sunday, knocking out the Philadelphia 76ers and completing their first second-round 4-0 sweep since 1999.

Meanwhile, it seems likely the OKC Thunder will sweep the Lakers in Game 4 tonight. The Thunder have won each game by an average of 19.7 points. The Thunder swept the Phoenix Suns in round one of the playoffs.

Over in the NHL, the Carolina Hurricanes are off to an incredible start in this year’s playoffs as they swept the Ottawa Senators 4-0 in round one and the Philadelphia Flyers 4-0 in the second round.

They are the first team since 1987 to complete a sweep in the first two rounds of the playoffs. The Hurricanes knocked out the Flyers in Game 4 on Saturday with a 3-2 win in overtime. 

When a “sweep” happens in the playoffs, it signifies that a team knew what they needed to do and they did so without delay. A sweep also means they took control of the series and gave their opponent no opportunity to steal a game and extend it. They were able to win the series quickly, do what was required, and never open up the door for their opponent to get back in the series.

Teams won’t admit it, but often they'll approach a series thinking they can drop one game and it won’t matter, or that they’ll win the series eventually, even if it goes six or seven games. However, that’s a losing mentality allowing for hesitation and procrastination, and we know in sports anything can happen.

That’s why it’s best to play with urgency, win right away, as quickly as possible. For this to happen, teams don’t overlook their opponent, don’t mess around, or take their foot off the gas.

As teams pull off the sweep, they gain confidence and peace, and it also allows them to rest before the next series. Ultimately, a team benefits from winning a series early rather than facing the possible negative consequences of delaying.

While we celebrate the Knicks and Hurricanes' “sweeps,” I’m reminded of the importance of “winning quickly” concerning immediate obedience as followers of Jesus. Of course, we know there are seasons and reasons for patience and waiting because of God’s purposes, but when it comes to obeying God’s commands, living by faith, and yielding to the Holy Spirit, there is no delay. 

When God has made something clear for us to do or not do, we act as fast as we can, with His strength and power. 

We echo Psalm 119:60 (NLT), which says: “I will hurry, without delay, to obey Your commands.”

When we know what’s best and what’s right, then we do that immediately.

James 4:17 (NLT) reminds us, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.”

We don’t want to miss opportunities or give our opponent a chance to “steal a game.” We must do what’s required and needed rather than open the door to sin and disobedience. We don’t want the mentality, “we can drop one game, it won’t matter,” because we’ll “win/obey” eventually.

We also don’t want to overlook our opponent, give in to temptation, or take our foot off the gas. We have to “take control of the series,” or rather yield to the Holy Spirit, so we operate with self-control.

Titus 2:11-12 (ESV) tells us, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age…”

Today, let’s follow Jesus with urgency, obeying immediately and living for God right now, instead of procrastinating or hesitating. If God has called us to do something for Him or to let go of something, let’s not say, “I’ll do it next game,” but rather jump on it now.

Rather than being restless with the negative consequences of “losing a game or two” or delaying obedience…let’s obey quickly and pull off the “sweep.” When we do, we will gain confidence and peace in the Lord and be at rest, enjoying the benefits of spiritual blessings and fruit.

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know I haven’t always obeyed right away, which I confess is disobedience. I’m thankful for your mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Please help me to live by faith and not to delay in obeying you, living for You, and yielding to the Holy Spirit. Thank You for your power and strength that help me live a holy life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.