Scripture & Thought
John 15:16
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.”
When it comes to amateur and professional sports, almost everyone wants to be “Number One.” Second place is okay in some circles, but few people ever remember who the Two’s were, unless they were the parents of the second place finishers. The disciples Jesus chose to share in his public ministry were hardly considered to be first class in any way – at least at the time of their selection. History would remember them differently, as we know. But Jesus had high expectations for them. And for us today!
On October 15, 2002 the Associated Press carried a lighthearted story about Billy Graham. It reported that the Dallas Cowboys, honoring the distinguished life and ministry of Dr. Graham, presented him with a Cowboy jersey with the name “Graham” on the back and the number “1” in large print on the front and back. Dr. Graham responded to the gift in a way that demonstrated his unique sense of humor,“It has my name on the back and I’m No.1. I may show up at the next game and see where they put me!”
The evangelist had about as much chance at getting into the game as those unlearned disciples had in taking seriously their calling by the Master. Who would have thought that those eleven (even without Judas Iscariot, who had left the room) had the gifts and graces to change their world for Jesus? But they did. Jesus called them, and they followed. The Church of Jesus Christ was born!
In his first epistle to the Church, Peter wrote words that reflected the high expectations of Jesus when he shared his vision with his men in the upper room.
1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Who were those “chosen people”? Bishops? Priests? Prophets? The cream of the crop? Hardly! They were ordinary people, called to do extraordinary tasks. Were they any more gifted than you or I? No. The secret was not in what they were, but in what Jesus saw in them!
I believe there’s a jersey somewhere with your name on it. It may not say “Number 1” on the front and back, but it’s your size. You have been chosen. The Lord Himself has called you. He wants you to show up at the next game. How about doing just that? You might be surprised to see where in the game He puts you. You may be a starter!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I don’t have a jersey with my name on the back. And if I did, the number would not be “1.” Forgive my short-sightedness! Help me to see myself as YOU see me, not as others see me. Please give me the courage to believe that there is a task out there that I can do. I’m ready to go. Point me in the right direction!
Amen