Post by denise on Jul 25, 2006 10:47:37 GMT -5
The day was warm and the children lined up to play baseball as they often did in the summer. Teams were chosen and the game soon began. The small dark haired girl sat by herself on the bench. She was used to it by now. Teams were chosen and she was always left. No one wanted the girl who couldn’t swing, who couldn’t run fast enough, who couldn’t keep up. She watched each day hoping that one day they would give her a chance. This day didn’t seem like it would be the day. The bugs flew around and the wind stirred the dust on this vacant lot they called a baseball diamond. With worn out shoes, old bats and old balls, the game was played. The children didn’t seem to mind the old stuff as they played. They were together with their friends. They didn’t pay attention to the girl on the bench. They were interested in their game and another win. No team wanted to have a player that would hold them back. No one had the time to teach her how to swing and how to run, she should know that already. Let the game begin. Another hit, another run, score. The children cheered. Still she sat alone. Just as she was getting ready to leave, realizing that no one knew she was there and no one really cared, she looked into the compassionate eyes of a stranger. This man she had never seen before. He spoke to her as if he knew her. He told her about his career in baseball, he was on a good team, he said, not bragging really, just making conversation. He asked her why she wasn’t out in the game. She told him softly that she had not been chosen for a team because she really didn’t know how to play. He told her he would teach her. They threw balls back and forth, then he showed her the proper way to hold the bat, and how to run to get the most distance in the fastest time. As the children’s game continued she learned from this man. He gave her something as he left that day, pressed in her hand were tickets for a game in which he was going to play. She opened her hand and saw they were the best seats at the final game of the World Series. He was the pitcher. She looked back at the others, they were content in the dusty vacant lot, she was going to the World Series.
Mark 10:29-31
29Jesus said, "Mark my words, no one who sacrifices house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, land--whatever-because of me and the Message 30will lose out. They'll get it all back, but multiplied many times in homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land--but also in troubles. And then the bonus of eternal life! 31This is once again the Great Reversal: Many who are first will end up last, and the last first."
When Jesus called His disciples, He told them of the benefits but also the risks involved in following Him. As followers of Jesus today we too benefit. Wherever we go we can connect with other believers, these being our brothers and sisters in Christ, allowing us places to stay and help in time of need. Too often however, some Christians choose not to follow Jesus. They believe in Christ certainly, but are content to stay in the dusty vacant lots of their lives, content with their own friends, who are safe, their own worn shoes which are comfortable. They stay, not reaching out to others, not wishing to risk a strike out or a foul. To follow Jesus we risk leaving what is known to go to what is unknown. However, with our hand in His, we can be secure and as we move on with Him the vacant dusty lot is no longer appealing. It is nothing compared to the World Series stadium.
Mark 10:29-31
29Jesus said, "Mark my words, no one who sacrifices house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, land--whatever-because of me and the Message 30will lose out. They'll get it all back, but multiplied many times in homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land--but also in troubles. And then the bonus of eternal life! 31This is once again the Great Reversal: Many who are first will end up last, and the last first."
When Jesus called His disciples, He told them of the benefits but also the risks involved in following Him. As followers of Jesus today we too benefit. Wherever we go we can connect with other believers, these being our brothers and sisters in Christ, allowing us places to stay and help in time of need. Too often however, some Christians choose not to follow Jesus. They believe in Christ certainly, but are content to stay in the dusty vacant lots of their lives, content with their own friends, who are safe, their own worn shoes which are comfortable. They stay, not reaching out to others, not wishing to risk a strike out or a foul. To follow Jesus we risk leaving what is known to go to what is unknown. However, with our hand in His, we can be secure and as we move on with Him the vacant dusty lot is no longer appealing. It is nothing compared to the World Series stadium.