He calls us into the game

Mark 16:15 (ESV)

And he said to them, Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

I remember watching a football game one weekend. During one of the plays, a player fumbles the ball and all went down trying to recover the fumble.  The person that came up with the ball also came up with a hurt leg.  He was helped to the sidelines and was replaced with another player. Over the next few minutes, the play continued, and the camera panned to the sidelines where the player who was injured could be seen walking back and forth behind the bench with another person supporting him. It appeared that he was walking off the injury, which could have been a cramp in his leg.

As I was watching the game it made me think of something.

During our Christian walk in this world, we will at times be in the game, but at other times, for reasons such as hurt or anger or even needed times of rest, we will find ourselves on the sidelines. As in this sport, we will still observe the "game" of life going on nearby, while others come to our aid to support us in love and prayer as needed. The game will continue on, and soon, we will also be back in it.

Jesus walked it out for thirty years as a man on this earth, then He got back in the "game" for three years, teaching, praying, and healing the people of Israel. He calls us to get into the "game":

Dear Lord, thank You for the times that You walked among us, and that at the end of Your time, You gave Your life for us. Lord, help us to be in the game. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Now Or Maybe Never

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (New International Version)

2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Michael Ellsessar was an athlete whose own school was so small he ended up playing varsity sports at three different high schools. A good athlete, he was also involved in church activities and community organizations.

All things being said, Ellsessar was a fine young man, the kind of all-round, good kid you hope your child will become. This explains, in part, why he is going to be missed.

It's true. Ellsessar is no longer with us. A few weeks ago he was killed while playing a varsity football game. His was a freak accident that happened when he was tackled after having caught a pass.

After the hit, Ellsessar got up, collapsed, and even the EMTs couldn't revive him.

The doctors said Ellsessar had a better chance of dying from a lightning strike than he did dying this way. Even so, he is dead.

Thinking back upon the pain he's endured these last weeks, John, Ellsessar's father said, "Hug your kids. Keep them close, and watch out for them." Then the father added this: "No parent deserves to bury their 16-year-old son. It is devastating."

John Ellsessar's advice is wise. Too often people stay tight-lipped and don't share or show how they feel with those they love. Then the day comes when it is too late for anything to be said.

But there's another thing John Ellsessar mentioned. It is that last line: "No parent deserves to bury their son. It is devastating." Our Heavenly Father would agree. After all, He didn't deserve to watch His Son die on Calvary's cross for a lost world, and Jesus didn't deserve to die for a race that had rejected Him.

Jesus didn't deserve death, but I am thankful He gave His life for my salvation. His undeserved death has brought about undeserved salvation for countless millions.

And that includes Michael Ellsessar. Jesus died an unfair death so he might live, and that is comfort for his father and all who mourn.

Thank the Lord He gives us His grace and not the justice we deserve.

Dear Lord, we thank you for giving Your Son's life for our forgiveness. We ask you to accept our unending gratitude for all You do. In Jesus' Name. Amen.