When I was in 3rd grade, every boy eagerly anticipated recess. Anytime the weather was decent, the boys played kick ball, with the 2 tallest being captains, choosing their team. Once every class arrived, students lined up along the pavement, where bases had been painted on the blacktop. This daily ritual allowed us to unleash our hyperactivity as well as develop a pecking order of who was the best athlete and who was the worst. I was never the first player taken, but I usually was selected in the 2nd or 3rd round. Unfortunately, the same 2 clumsy boys were always the last ones picked, or as some of the cruel kids referred to as the leftovers.
Recently, I was asked to be the manager of Greater Newark’s All-Star team. After I selected my 2 coaches, last weekend we had a draft to select the top players for our 12 U team. Like my 3rd grade kick ball experience, the first 10 players were pretty easy to choose. However, as we got down to the last few selections, it took much more time and thought to select the final 3 players. While the last 2 players who were left over got to play kickball, every year there are thousands of kids left off of their local All-Star teams roster. Hopefully, those not chosen will use this as motivation to improve the following year, like Michael Jordan who got cut from his junior high school basketball team.
Once Jesus revealed to his disciples that he was going to die in John 13, he begins to talk about heaven. John 14:2 says that there are many room in heaven which Jesus is preparing for us. Later on in John 15:13, Jesus talks about laying down your life for your friends. According to Matthew 12:46-50, those who do the will of God the Father is considered family. While all of us have probably been left off of a team, been over looked for a promotion or bypassed by another person, Jesus wants you to be on his team, spending eternity in heaven. However, the choice to be on this team is up to you, Romans 6:23. Choose the less traveled road, Matthew 7:13-14.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 