Who Dropped The Ball?

Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”

John 20:21

IN 1916, GEORGE ALLEN HAD the dubious distinction of playing halfback in a record-setting football game, when Cumberland College lost to Georgia Tech 222–0. Georgia Tech’s coach was John Heisman, the namesake of the Heisman Trophy. As the score mounted, Cumberland College became dramatically demoralized. Then, on one of the few plays when Allen’s team had the ball, the ball was snapped to the quarterback, who immediately fumbled it. Tech’s linemen were charging in, the ball was bouncing around the backfield, and the quarterback screamed at Allen, “Pick it up! Pick it up!” Allen took one look at those charging linemen and shouted, “Pick it up yourself! You dropped it!”

That’s a lot like us, isn’t it? We want to place the blame and the responsibility on someone else.

Jesus gave us the responsibility and privilege of sharing His message with others. Note the word you in this verse. The charge was given to every follower of Jesus, not just to pastors and missionaries. This is our responsibility, each one of us. It is not optional. We can’t pass it off, delegate it to someone else, or pay someone to do it for us. You and I are to communicate the message of Jesus. We have the honor of being His witnesses to a lost world.

Let’s pick up the ball of the gospel and run with it. Many people will be glad we did.

BOTTOM LINE

Look for the divine appointments God has for you today to share His story.

Moment of Strength: Romans 10:14