Taking the ball

Maybe it's just because the Boston Red Sox buried the "curse of the bambino" last night, but I like this excerpt from John Fischer's book, Fearless Faith:

Fischtank - Book - Fearless Faith

Jesus has invested his life for the world and is about to pour out his last drop of blood for its salvation. But what Jesus will do after that is just as remarkable. He is about to delegate the kingdom of God. He’s going to hand over his personal possession--his labor of love and sacrifice--to someone else. Someone else will continue the work he began. Like a starting pitcher who has held the opposing team scoreless through eight innings of a one run ball game, Jesus is standing on the mound, waiting to hand the ball to some rookie reliever sauntering in from the bull pen, chewing on a wad of gum.

No wonder he prayed so hard that night.

“I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you” (John 17:11).

That would be us. He’s talking about you and me--all believers in him. We are the ones with the ball now. And he gave it to us with the bases loaded and nobody out. It’s a dangerous situation to inherit.

If nothing else, it keeps us focused on what's at stake when we talk about "church things."

In my book, It Takes a Church to Raise a Christian, I offer an in-depth discussion of John 17 as the most important prayer for church leaders. I'd welcome the feedback of any who have read the chapters on "Transforming Witness".