Leaning back against the chain-link fence, he heard the ball bouncing and the shouts of young boys. Sighing, he pushed himself off the fence and slowly walked away, eyes glued to the ground in humiliation. He was the 11th man in a playground pick-up basketball game. No one said anything, but it was crystal clear to everyone after the teams were chosen – he was not needed, in fact, he was not wanted.
What a difference two years can make. The same humiliated boy is greeted by cheering voices as he steps onto the court. They yell, “Where have you been? We didn’t think you were coming.” Months of consistent practice have transformed the same youngster from being unchosen and unwanted to the most needed and desired player on the team.
Unfortunately, a few months of practice doesn’t turn everyone into a star. Many spend their lives in anonymity, desperately wanting someone to recognize their significance.
The Bible story of King David doesn’t seem to be about a person needing a self-worth boost. And it isn’t. Rather, it’s a story about God taking a young boy and making him part of his divine plans for this world. A close reading of David’s life shows it isn’t a story about an extraordinary human being but rather about an extraordinary God who does extraordinary things through very ordinary people.
The application for us is singular – God wants us to be part of what he is doing in this world just as much as he wanted David to play his role 3000 years earlier. The Lord may not have a giant Goliath for you to kill, but in his plan, whatever you do for him will be as important.
Have you ever thought about it – you are wanted to be part of doing what is most needed?
Sunday Morning Worship Service – 10:00 am