Two were chosen that day. Most sitting at the two tables had input. But that day two were chosen to captain the teams. It was a nice spring day. The weather was in the low 80’s and it was calling all of us outside. We just had to finish our lunches and wait for the bell to ring so we could make a mad dash for the field of play. The joy of recess as a child!
Only a certain amount would be chosen to play and each captain would finagle a way for their friends to get on their teams. Others would be randomly chosen to fill the lesser positions and once that was accomplished the rest had to wait until someone yielded or was called away. Those who were considered the favorites never worried, but some of the others did. I was one of those in the middle. Some times I was a favored and some times I was an outsider.
Jesus loved the outsiders. He looked for his closest disciples, not in the temple or king’s company, but He looked and sought them on the shorelines, hillsides, collection tables, and elsewhere. He would fellowship in the streets, homes, and roadside establishments. Sometimes he would just chill on a boat. Jesus’ purpose was to do the will of the Father. That meant He was there to call the sick, lame, and broken. The ones who were looked down upon in society.
It was His Hands that lifted the little children, hugged them, and blessed them. It was the sweetness of His presence that drew the multitudes in to Him. It was His love that saved them, not only sharing God’s way and wisdom with the people, but being more! Jesus levied His actions to match His words. He was the displayer and instructor that God the Father placed on earth for our behalf. And He did a marvelous thing. He chose you!
When we get this awesome chance to join Him in salvation, He gives us a gift too! He doesn’t just leave us alone to wander and lament our past and stress over what may be. No, with His Selection, He gives us the gift of His Comforter. Its like a spiritual blanket and it needs to be unwrapped. What good is a gift that is never opened and used? We wind up squandering one of the biggest blessings in life! He is a joy maker and a tangible representative of God on earth. He is oh so gentle and full of warmth and God. He is there to work with you and you with Him.
Try taking a moment and open up to Him. Just say “Hi!” Wait a minute and say a prayer or whatever comes to mind. He’ll open up and begin the journey with you. He’s just waiting on you!
Godspeed, The Journeyman
Ps. Today’s story comes from the reality of life. May the saltiness of the Lord be found in you! The gospel of Matthew is a great reference to this letter. Also John 16: 5-15 on the Comforter, Paraklete.
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