I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 10:11
When Grover (Deacon) Jones enters a room, he fills it with his magnetic charisma and big grin. He draws his audience with wonderful communication skills and charming personality. I ran into him the other day, and we had a wonderful visit. At age 84 Deacon has had a full life of stories and experiences. After playing ball for the Chicago White Sox in the 60’s, he became a coach for several teams. Now he is the special assistant to the president for the Sugar Land Skeeters. He has a heart not only for the players but for people in general.
I’m sure Deacon was a wonderful coach, maybe much like a coach we may recall from our past. Usually, a good coach will not only train the body but will also train in discipline, work ethics and positive behavior-- qualities to reinforce us down the right path in winning not only the game but also winning in life.
Jesus was a coach of sorts, spending roughly three years with his team of disciples training and grooming them to spread a message of hope. This message would be fully understood at God’s perfect timing. As they witnessed Christ’s death, they wept with defeat, but the sadness would only last for three days. A good coach never allows the team to sulk for very long. When Christ was victorious over death and the grave, His disciples could rejoice, and their understanding grew as they learned yet another lesson. When Christ arose, they watched in wonder, but this time not in defeat. The story was almost complete. Then the day of Pentecost came. The Holy Spirit came upon His team, and now the training was accomplished. The team’s goal was to go in love and conquer the world for Jesus Christ.
The disciples went on to spread the message of redemption through Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit continued to give lessons perfecting them in their ministry. We have access to the same training through the Bible, through prayer, and through meditation. The Holy Spirit will groom and chisel away at our imperfections. The Good Coach, the perfect, flawless coach will train us in His righteousness until the day we are called home. He will lead us into a triumphal victory. Submit to the best spiritual training of your life by putting your trust in the true life coach, Jesus Christ.
Thank you Lord Jesus for teaching, training, and disciplining us for your kingdom. Amen.
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