As I was watching a little news this morning, there were a couple items about sports. The quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles was mentioned, because he's dealing with some blood clots. And there was a profile of a big hitter for the Milwaukee Brewers, who almost walked away from baseball a couple years ago. And naturally, it's easy to get focused on the "big names" who play in "key positions." And yet, both football and baseball are team sports. And unless the whole team does its best, victory never comes easily.

 

I think about that reality when I read today's word from Luke Chapter 10. We're used to hearing about the twelve disciples — along with all the miracles the saw, the lessons the learned, and the mistakes they made. But this chapter begins by telling us that "After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go." (10:1)

 

Now, their mission wasn't easy. The Lord said, "I'm sending you out like lambs among wolves. Don't take a purse or bag or sandals; and don't greet anyone on the road." (10:3-4) And he warned them that they wouldn't be welcomed everywhere. (10:10)

 

And yet, he also said that they would heal the sick and tell people that the kingdom of God had come near. (10:9) And when they came back from their mission, they were filled with joy, because they did experience victory as a result of the Lord's power working through them. (10:17)

 

So listen. None of us may be "big stars" on the Lord's team. But it takes the whole team—doing its best and following the coach's instructions—to come out on top. So today, will you be one of the players on God's team or "workers in His field"? (see 10:2)

 

May we be among those who "press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:14) Amen.