“And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Acts 1:26
This verse from the Book of Acts is from a period of history when the eleven apostles choose another man to fill the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot and this procedure brought me a ‘back in the day’ memory, since there is a load of snow on the ground and it’s a cold day in February, let’s dream about a warm summer day in May with a group of young boys playing sandlot baseball near the Cargill plant on the south edge of Seward, NE and the boys are choosing the teams. Early on in the process, several egos got stung, including me, as I got selected near the bottom of the bat, close to the end of the group since nobody knew my capabilities, or lack of any redeeming qualities that related to baseball. I wonder how Justus must have felt when Matthias was selected by the eleven? Thankfully, sandlot baseball choices don’t last forever and my ego has since healed over the past six decades. On Sunday, Rev. Dr. Luke Schnake commented that we celebrated Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day…and the real reason for these celebrations was that baseball season is just a short time away! Ah…baseball.
Way ‘back in the day’ generations before you, me or Pastor Luke came to bat, HE chose each of us. HE put your name on HIS lineup card, across the back of your jersey and it’s still there. HE chose you, me and this smiling child from Haiti to be on HIS team, for good, forever. Each of us are so very important to Him as we have a special reason to be on HIS team, our very own sweet spot; to go, and bring more souls into HIS Kingdom. Please, prayerfully consider helping to feed one, or a few of the over 52,000 children like this child and pray for their recruiting efforts throughout Haiti during this coming summer; during their lifetime. HE chose you for a purpose. None of us know how many innings there are left in our career, make the most of them with the time, talents and treasures you have been given.
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay