NIKE (Revelation 2:7)
In last night’s Revelation study we saw that the Greek word “Nikao” means “victor or overcomer.” Jesus made a promise to those in the Church at Ephesus: “To him who is victorious (overcomes), I will give the right to eat from the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.” Let’s look a little more closely at that word translated as “victorious or overcomes.”
Nike derived its name from this word. I see them as saying, “If you wear our shoes and our apparel, you will overcome in the battle and be victorious!” But it is where the word came from that helps us understand it more.
In Greek mythology, Nike was the winged goddess of victory. She was said to fly around the battlefield awarding glory and fame to the winners. Her name became synonymous with being victorious or overcoming in the battle or contest. Some images of Nike showed her triumphantly lifting an olive wreath in one hand and a torch in the other, while standing on a mountaintop with a flame burning beside her. Does that ring a bell? The Olympic torch, the eternal flame, and the olive wreath crown which was presented to the victors in the Greek Olympic games. In some cases, the flame and wreath are missing, but the torch is very prevalent. So, you can see how the word came to be used for people who are victorious. In fact, her Roman mythology counterpart was named Victoria. I want to be Nikao in my life for the true, living God! How about you?! And we must work to make our churches Nikao in the battle with Satan. We have a fight to win!
But what about the Nike “swoosh?” How did they arrive at the decision to make it their very recognizable logo? Nike was known for her speed of movement. Do you see the footrace theme? It was one of the most popular events in the Greek games, and continues to be so in the modern games. The sound of her movement when she took off was said to sound like “swoosh!” It became a natural symbol of victory for Nike.
As for Nike’s slogan, Just do it, it’s origin may surprise you. It actually came from the final words of a serial killer. When asked if he had any last words as he faced the firing squad, he said, “Let’s do it.” Nike changed the wording to “Just do it!” The slogan came to be a battle cry as people enter into competition in the sports world. If you can overlook its morbid origin, it can be your battle cry as you enter each day with the intent to be victorious over anything you face. Always remember that you and I have “Victory in Jesus!” As He promised it to the Ephesians who overcame, He has promised it to us as well. He is obligated to give it to us when we fight to win!
Now that you know the rest of the story, I hope these words of Jesus will take on new meaning for you. Hint: we will see that word again as we study next Sunday night. So, “Nikao!” folks. You can win the battle! I look forward to walking through the rest of Revelation Chapter 2 (and maybe part of Chapter 3) with you next week! Please comment below and let me know how today’s blog spoke to you.
13 Comments
Cathy Evans
I have a lot of “just do it” things I need to do but life and some health problems have got in the way. I’m not giving up but I am a bit slower at it. Slow and steady wins the race, someone said. Jesus never gave up on me so how can I give up on him. Really enjoying this study of Revelation David, helps my week to go along better.
admin
Shew, I think we all have those things, Cathy. Thank you for taking part in the study and faithfully reading the blog. That blesses me! Although it certainly adds to the busyness of my life, it helps my week to go better too!
Milinda
This study is such a blessing.
So thankful for the victory that’s yet to come .
Thank you Jesus
admin
Yes, Milinda! All the glory goes to Jesus! Your comments always bless me. Thank you!
Kelly Nicholas
Good Day Bro. David,
Hope this day finds you doing well. Your Sunday night lessons, as well as this blog, have blessed me in many ways. Your presentation never fails to keep me on the edge of my seat because you always open my eyes to something new and exciting. I hope you will continue writing this blog as I find it very beneficial to me. Although this is the only time I’ve committed, I have used the information from all these blogs.
This is totally off the subject at hand, but I’m gonna bring it up anyway. How do you feel personally and/or biblically about supporting the Nike brand after they supported the football player, Colin Kapernick, when disrespecting/disregarding the U.S. while kneeling during the National Anthem?
admin
Thank you Kelly. I appreciate the good word! You know how much I love teaching God’s Word, and especially The Revelation. I am happy that you are tuned in! I never mind off the subject questions. I do not support Colin Kaepernick’s actions, nor Nike’s support of them. I love our country, respect our flag, and strongly support the men and women who have fought for our freedom, as well as those who serve in the military now. I proudly stand for the Anthem, and face the flag with my hand over my heart. I continue to believe America, even with our flaws, is the greatest nation in the world! I am also saddened by the violence that is currently taking place around our country. Most importantly, I fear God’s judgment if we continue the path away from Him. As Jesus said to the Church at Ephesus, if we do not repent, He may “remove our candlestick” as a nation! He did that with the nations of Israel and Judah in the Old Testament. I fear that possibility.
As a Christian, pastor and teacher, I love every person and believe everyone needs Jesus. He died for us all! My purpose is to help people turn to Him as their Savior. He is the only one who can change hearts and lives. My example of Nike’s use of the word Nikao does not in any way show support for them as a company. I simply use it as a teaching tool to help us comprehend the powerful significance of that Greek word. My intent is to stay Biblical and refrain from being political as I teach the Word of God, unless a passage specifically calls for that. Using Nike as an example may have been a poor choice of illustrations. Things have certainly changed in that regard since I last taught The Revelation. That saddens me as well…
Kelly Nicholas
Bro. David, I, by no means, meant to imply that your “Nike” example was hurtful, harmful, or of bad taste. I know you well enough to know that you would never deliberately support such actions as displayed by Colin Kapernick. I personally think it is a good example.
I should have explained my question better. The way it was asked led you in a different direction than I was going. I was simply wondering if it is wrong to buy Nike products? I do still buy them and if it is wrong to do so, I certainly don’t want to be doing it.
Kelly Nicholas
Bro. David, I, by no means, meant to imply that your “Nike” example was hurtful, harmful, or of bad taste. I know you well enough to know that you would never deliberately support such actions as displayed by Colin Kapernick. I personally think it is a good example.
I should have explained my question better. The way it was asked led you in a different direction than I was going. I was simply wondering if it is wrong to buy Nike products? I do still buy them and if it is wrong to do so, I certainly don’t want to be doing it.
admin
Absolutely no offense taken Kelly. I know you well enough to know your question had no negative intentions. I just felt it was a good opportunity to explain my position, since some may have taken it wrongly. I appreciate you and value your friendship. And I am always thankful to have you on board for this study!
Gladys
Thank you so much for this study. I spoke to someone this week who is also watching with other family members.
God bless you as you serve our Lord!
admin
I am blessed to have the privilege of teaching it. I pray it reaches many people and changes lives! Thank you for watching and spreading the word!
Alicia Stone
I read somewhere about how bad Nike is. Thank you for putting the word out. God Bless
admin
You’re welcome Alicia. I am glad you are participating in the study! I use Nike as an illustration simply to help people understand the meaning of the Greek word, Nikao, in a way they may understand. Hopefully that got across!