There are some very good freshman playing
basketball, but most are learning the game. In fact, I often wonder, “Why is
that freshman playing. He is making more than his share of mistakes.” Of course,
two years later I ask myself, “That junior is pretty good. Why didn’t the coach
play him more when he was younger?”
That freshman has a scholarship, and he has a role
to play, albeit sometimes a small one. As he matures, he takes on more
responsibility. Everyone has to start somewhere! And sometimes even the freshman
makes an outstanding play, gathering kudos from his coach and teammates, and
surprising me!
Today’s reading is Romans 3:21-28. This passage is
the core of our Christian faith. Our righteousness is through faith, and that
faith is a gift from God. Verse 23 says, “all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God,” yet we are justified because of Christ’s death, a “sacrifice of
atonement” for our sins.
Like the coach chose the freshman to be on his
team, God chose me to be on his team. I have a
scholarship, that is, I am righteous because of Jesus’ death. I have a role in
the church, but I did not always know what it was. At times I am certain I had
that “deer in the headlights” look and made more than my share of mistakes.
A basketball team's goal is scoring field goals; God’s
team's goal is winning souls.
I have a role to play on God' team and over the years I better understood that role. God even gave a bit more responsibility. God used other Christians to help me find
my place.
There is a difference between a basketball team
and God’s team worth noting. Sometimes the coach uses the freshman to achieve team
goals. God, however, always uses sinners to achieve his goals. All on
God’s team are sinners.
What is your role?
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