Team Jesus

I have been a member of many teams throughout my life. Some were sports teams while others were associated with my occupation.  I always had a reason to be on a team; sometimes it was enjoyment, sometimes it was to develop new skills and other times it was because my boss told me to be on a team. (Continued employment is a strong motivator!)

In my years of studying teams, I have learned that successful teams have members with the right skills and the team has specific goals.

Today’s reading is from Acts 2:36-47. It is just after Pentecost and St. Peter is encouraging people to join Team Jesus.  He reminds them that even though the human race has rejected God, God, because he abounds in love, still wants them to be on the team. Being a benefactor of this great love is but one of the many benefits of being on Team Jesus.

We join Team Jesus when we are baptized. The Holy Spirit enters us and provides us with faith, which in turn makes us “acceptable to God.” The Holy Spirit also gives us spiritual gifts and skills that equip us to do the work of Team Jesus.

We also know that Team Jesus continues to learn God’s Word. Through study, members better understand the gifts of the Holy Spirit which enables them to develop them further.  Reading God’s Word also helps members to understand the goals of the team.

So what are these goals? Today’s reading alludes to three, though there are others. Love and serve the Lord (Matt 22:37), care for each other (Matt 22:39), and share the Good News of Jesus Christ (Matt 28:18).

If you are not yet a member of Team Jesus, I encourage you to learn more about the team. If you are already a member of the team, tell someone about the blessings of God through Jesus Christ.

I can think of no better way to spend eternity than with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!