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A Note of Encouragement
from Ciloa
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 | | Safe at home...never give up |
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| May God bless you...to not give up! |
Volume XII, Issue 16
April 16, 2012
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In the 1992 National League Championships, the Atlanta Braves were playing the Pittsburgh Pirates and getting soundly beat. Just the year before, the lowly Braves had incredibly made it to the World Series, but now the ride was clearly over. I gave up on the manager, players, and even myself as a stick-it-out-to-the-bitter-end fan. Frustrated and disappointed, I went to bed. My wife, however, stayed up.
In the wee hours of the morning, she nudged me and said, "Braves won." Yeah right. But then I thought, What if... I waited until she had gone to sleep, then crept back to the TV and caught a replay. There it was...Francisco Cabrera hitting a soft single...Sid Bream, the slowest guy on the team, chugging around third, using every ounce of effort and desire. He slid in home just as the ball arrived. I watched in disbelief as the umpire signaled, Safe. Sid never gave up. His team and manager never gave up. And the crowd exploded with cheers.
A rich young ruler once asked Jesus what he must do to get eternal life. Obey the commandments, Jesus replied. But the man claimed he did. What do I still lack? Jesus answered, If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. (Matthew 19:21-22)
Probably few people read this and then think of Sid Bream and the Braves in the fall of 1992. OK. I'm the only one who would read this and think of them. This passage is normally used to teach about the harm wealth can bring, how difficult it can be for some to get into heaven, and where our priorities should lie. But never let it be said that I'm normal. As I study this, I see another lesson.
This poor "rich young ruler" (ironic, isn't it?) had given up. He gave up on himself. He gave up on others. And he gave up on God. On God because he took his eyes off the One who loved him. On others because he walked away from those who could have encouraged him. On himself because he abandoned the opportunity to experience the joy of walking with Jesus.
At some time or another we are all like this man. We may be at work or sitting in a classroom. We could be in a store or just speaking with friends. Then suddenly, there's an opportunity for us to follow Christ. We know it. We feel it. We can hear God speaking to our hearts. Yet we turn and walk away...because we think more of ourselves, than of Him.
Each of us has done that. And guess what? Each of us will do it again. Best friends will do it. Spouses, kids, parents...they'll all do it. Yes, even pastors, preachers, ministers and priests. So what's the point here? We must not give up on each other! So often in our lives, we need those who won't give up on us...especially when we've given up on ourselves and on God.
One Sunday I noticed a face in the choir. I remembered him as a pudgy young boy playing on the church softball team. He was shier than most, not as sure of himself, but he tried. I recalled the difficult life he endured, one influenced by divorce, anger, the competing demands of well-meaning parents. Many would have given up, blaming God for their situation. He didn't. And he didn't walk alone. He had the love, care, and encouragement of family and friends who were committed to him. He still had problems, as we all do, but there he was, singing in the choir.
Never give up on yourself. You have a place and purpose in the Kingdom of Heaven. Never give up on those around you. They need your encouragement and love, especially when times are tough. And never give up on God. From the beginning, He has known your name and He has never, ever given up on you.
...surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20b
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Take care & be God's,
Chuck
Note: The incredible picture above was shot by Chris Hamilton, Chris Hamilton Photography, www.HamPhoto.com
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