Your role is not insignificant.

This weekend our school ministry is hosting the 2nd annual Comet Classic Basketball Tournament. A  big thank you to Stephanie Krueger for all her work organizing the tournament and to all our volunteers who help make things run smoothly. 

I love watching each team try its hardest and to see the skill levels of those 5th and 6th graders, but what I really enjoy is when a player who doesn’t seem to have a significant role on the team do something unexpected like sinking a three-point shot right through the bottom of the net. The excitement of his teammates and the fans of that team adds a new level of energy in the Boettcher Center. 

This weekend, we’ll hear from Isaiah 6 of how the Lord called Isaiah, and in Luke 5 of Jesus calling Peter and others to follow Him. In both cases there was a feeling of inadequacy due to the realization that they were sinners who should not be in the presence of Holy God. Perhaps you’ve felt that way when the Holy Spirit has used God’s Law to confront you with your sin. But what does God do? He doesn’t leave you in your sin but forgives you for Jesus’ sake and gives you who may not feel significant an important role in the game of life – to follow Jesus and invite others to do the same as you live in the joy of the Lord’s salvation. 

But there is something else He has us do – support and encourage one another and celebrate when we see another do a great thing in the name of Jesus. That, after all, is what sets a true team apart from a group of individuals. Paul begins this weekend’s Epistle reading with these words: “Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.” (1 Corinthians 14:12b) Go Team!