God’s “Team”
If you tuned in to ABC's Wide World of Sports from 1971 onward, you are familiar with the opening sequence, in which sportscaster Jim McKay touts "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat." For nearly three decades, "the agony of defeat" was personified by a ski jumper's spectacular wipeout at Oberstock, Germany.[1]
Every year throughout the world, there are thousands of sports events from pee-wee league to the professionals, and every four years some of the greatest athletes from around the globe gather to participate in the Olympics with the dream that they will go home with a gold, silver or bronze medal. They are all incredible athletes. These men and women are agile, fast, strong, graceful; in short, they are the best of the best. Yet alas, only a small percentage will end up in the record books, and sooner or later someone will inevitably come along and set a new record. While I will never stand on an Olympic podium or wear a Super Bowl Ring, I am blessed to be part of a very different “team.” The qualifications do not require coordination or speed or agility.
It seems to me that Jesus offered a blueprint for membership on God’s team with His words from the Book of Matthew Chapter 5:
“Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
So, if you ever find yourself feeling that you are among the least, the last or the lost, and there is no place for you in the winner’s circle, God has a blessing for you. Jesus said, “Come unto me all of you who are heavy laden and I will refresh you.”
Be blessed today, you are on God’s team.
[1] Google
