“ Our job is to make disciples of Jesus everywhere we go like Jesus did .”
The power of unity can be transformative ; it can turn the odds in our favor even when we are facing formidable opponents . This is something I learned at a young age while playing on my local basketball team . My father , who was our team ’ s coach , taught me a lesson that has made all the difference . The year was 1983 , I was nine years old , and despite my fear , my dad chose me to do something I thought I wasn ’ t capable of . I still don ’ t understand why . Let me explain .
At the time , my team was semi-undefeated , but had suffered losses to one team that had a secret weapon , a player who was a foot taller and much stronger than any of us . Despite the odds , my father , who was our coach , instilled in us a game plan that remains relevant to me today : play as a team , move the ball around , don ’ t waste any opportunities , and never give up .
You see , we are not facing an imposing player on the basketball court but a much bigger and pervasive opponent - generations of deeply rooted racism and division . As we navigate this battle , my father ’ s game plan remains as potent as ever . Just like we did on the court , we need to unite , keep moving , seize our opportunities , and never give up .
I ’ m convinced that my father ’ s game plan will work . Jesus gave us the game plan in John 10:10 - to bring abundant life , to build His church , ekklesia , an assembly of people . Jesus wanted everyone , not just priests and preachers , to carry the message of who He is to all people . He crossed over lines , taught His disciples to invite everyone to follow Him , and gave us an important job : “ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations ” ( Matthew 28:19 ). This is the Great Commission , the win for the ekklesia .
We faced this team in the playoffs and , just as my father had planned , we kept moving , didn ’ t waste our chances , and stayed resilient . Our unity and determination got us to the final quarter with the scores tied . It was then that my father made a decision that still surprises me - he picked me to take the final shot . The thought of carrying such a weight was overwhelming , but with the support of my parents and my team , I stepped up . I won ’ t tell you if we won or lost that game . What is more important was the lesson my father was teaching us , a secret I want to share with you today .
“ Our job is to make disciples of Jesus everywhere we go like Jesus did .”
Our job is to make disciples of Jesus everywhere we go like Jesus did . It is our duty to cross every border and boundary to fulfill the Great Commission . So , how we are going to do it ? We need a game plan , the same my father gave us - play as a team , move the ball , don ’ t waste any opportunities , and never give up .
On the basketball court , we trust each other .
27