it happens to everybody at some point. we are lined up for inspection before our peers, our very souls laid bare, emotions on the chopping block. our worth and popularity is proclaimed before the world, and the longer the wait before our judgment, the worse off we become.

the big questions roll around in our heads:

am i worthwhile?

does anyone care about me?

what value do i have compared to all these other people?

and then, suddenly, we come to, having been called out publicly. we step forward at the moment that was chosen as our proving grounds. we must either rise to the occasion, meeting everyone’s expectations, surprise them with an unlooked for display of control & dexterity, or fail miserably in he process.

and then, we play our part until it comes to its conclusion…hearts on our sleeves, victory either in our grasp or so far removed as to be forever out of range.

wasn’t kickball great?

that was one of the few times in p.e. that you could see anyone become a star for just a moment. even those of us who were picked last from time to time had our chance to change the minds of our peers about our worth. it could be a detriment to the ego of the proudest jock, and a joy to the least athletically inclined one of us.

as if any 10 year old kid has perfect control of the direction and trajectory of a ball that rapidly retreats from their foot. a short pop fly, a nice hooking smoker over third base, or the line drive directly back to the roller’s hands…anything was possible.

sometimes we still feel that way as adults. we hear about something that sounds really interesting, or about a gathering, or some social occasion that we weren’t included in. we feel left out, our ego is bruised, and we wonder why we were not included.  it can still be difficult, but fortunately, no one is lined up against a wall and publicly called out.

but here’s what’s awesome…when we are called by Jesus, there is no ranking system to operate by. as Christians, we should be fully aware that each and every one of us is just as valuable as the next person, and that God had tasks (both simple and challenging) laid out for all of us. we just have to grasp the moment as He provides it, and seek His guidance throughout it all.

when Jesus called out His ’12 disciples’ from the crowd of followers it my have seemed like some were being chosen out from the rest to be used and taught. but in mark 3:13-19, those not ‘chosen’ were still welcome to follow and listen and work just like the guys who were called out. Jesus wouldn’t have minded one bit if someone else joined in spreading the news about the Kingdom. in fact, we know that there were guys & gals that stuck around…otherwise we wouldn’t have had matthias to replace judas, and there wouldn’t have been the group of women who so faithfully followed Him even when others ran away.

we know and understand that having specifically 12 disciples was a significant thing. but we must also know that there is always room for more on Jesus’ team.

there is no such thing as someone being unwelcome with Jesus. if you really want to follow Him, it doesn’t matter who you are or who you may have been before. we are all called to die to who we were before. it’s not about our ego getting stroked, it’s about Jesus. we have a common goal, and it’s not personal victory, but the victory that comes only through the salvation and grace we accept freely from the Father through Jesus…

play ball!