Bench Warmers
By Shauna Leis
“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12
Our family decided to let our son play flag football this year as his fall sport. I was excited about this prospect as I love football and watch whenever I am able. However, the team that we got on was not exactly star performance and struggled with all of the fundamentals of the game as most had never before played. They had a lot of fun playing, which is the entire point of flag football in my humble opinion, but they were typically out-powered and out-played the majority of the game.
For the most part, the coach did a good job of exchanging the players sitting on the bench for players out on the field so that everyone got a chance to play. But during one of the games, Nathan had only been in for a few minutes and had already gotten knocked down by several of the larger boys on the other team. The coach looked for volunteers to go to the bench and let some of the other boys in, and Nathan willingly volunteered to go back to the bench. At first I was upset that Nathan was back on the bench, but when I asked Nathan about it after the game, here is what he told me. “Mom, I was really tired of getting pushed down by all of those bigger boys and wanted to just take a break.” What could I say to that? I hugged him and told him how wonderful he was to have stood up to the bigger boys on the other plays and that I was so proud of him for going back at it the next game.
Now, I wish I could tell you that our team’s performance improved dramatically over the course of the season, but alas we finished dead last in the tournament. Thankfully, there were only so many games that we had to play! There were glimpses of glory and improvements by everyone on the team. But at the end of the season, Nathan decided that he wanted to go back because he just enjoyed playing the game, not because they had won throughout the season.
May I tell you how God started to work on my heart through all of that? I began to hear a small whisper in my soul, “Are you willing to just sit on the bench throughout the Game of Life, or do you want to get in the game?” On this question, I did not hesitate one ounce and quickly responded back, “Put me in the game, Coach.” There are times when life is very hard, and we cannot see through the situations that surround us each and every day. But Elohim, Creator God, did not create you and me just to sit on the bench and take up space.
When Jesus was preparing to leave this earth and ascend into heaven, He gave His disciples a great commission in Matthew 28. “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
There is so much richness in this last exchange between Jesus and His disciples that we could probably spend all day on it. However, notice what Jesus does NOT do. He does NOT say, “Gosh, you know disciples, you have had it pretty rough these last few days. You have seen Me arrested and crucified, you have been disappointed, and your own lives have been threatened. It is normal if you want to sit down and take a little break. Just make sure you get back in the game at some point.” Oh, how there are times that we probably wish that Jesus would say that to us as well.
Instead, can you just picture with me, Jesus leaning down to pick them up in His arms and saying, “You have had it very rough these past few days. You have seen things that no other will ever see. But, boys, I need you to get back in the game. I need you to get out of the safety of that house you have been locked up in for the past couple of days and back out into the Game of Life. People out there are depending on you to spread the gospel to the nations – knowledge of life and death. And do not worry at any time because I am going to be with you always – even to the end.”
Precious one, Jesus calls you and me in much the same way. He understands that we get physically, spiritually, and emotionally tired of dealing with the world and that we long to be with Him in heaven forever. But, while we are here, we are called to be out there witnessing to others and spreading the knowledge of Jesus’ saving love. We are called to be in the game! Psalm 78: 1-4 says, “O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old – what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”
So, I will ask you today. Are you willing to get up off the bench and get in the game? It will not be easy. You will face giants and obstacles, and Satan will come up with every conceivable notion to get you out of the game. But, remember Jesus’ promise, you will not do this alone. He is the Great Coach and will be with you always when you go in His name. And the victory is heavenly!
Pray with me: Dear God, the game of life is not an easy one to play. There are times that we long to raise up our hand and say, “Take me out, God. I am so tired!” But we know that there are eternal rewards. There is so much at stake that we cannot afford to just sit on Your bench. We want to be on the winning team, bringing home the victory for You. Give us courage when we face players on the other team that are larger than us, but not larger than You. Show us your plans and plays for the game so that we can become skilled for You. God, we love You so very much and pray all of this in the precious name of Your Son, Jesus Christ! Amen!