“Some Good News”

It was the kind of play we all dream about…. the game is tied….you get the ball with only a couple of seconds on the clock,  you drive over the half court line, dodge a defender, and let fly a long jumper… the ref’s arm goes up signaling a “3” …… and…..and…. swish. BUZZZZZZZ…. game over. Wow, can you believe it ?  It’s the kind of play an 8^th grader will remember all his life. And in this case , it couldn’t happen to a better young man. He’s hard working, obedient to his parents, loves the Lord, and hasn’t gotten a lot of playing time this year despite putting in his “blood, sweat, and tears”. Congratulations to our grandson, Owen.

Jesus tells us in Matthew’s gospel that “the last will be first, and the first last…. and whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.” (Mt. 20: 16-28) 

Well, it’s great to see this scripture lived out in a concrete way. Owen was clearly the hero of the night… he saved his team from defeat. Wow !

Yet, frequently the one who puts himself last, who comes to serve does not see the immediate fruit of his decision. What we know is that the Lord is keeping score of that particular game and in his perfect time, “the last will be first…the servant will be recognized as great, as number one.” 

So let’s  continue “ to serve the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves”, and let’s not seek the places of honor as James and John and their mother tried to make happen in the above 20^th chapter of Matthew. Let’s  leave all the results in the hand of the Lord… and all will be well with our soul. 

P.S. If you want to see the actual game winning  shot check out the following link:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esIaC7urDWM