STEPPING UP

1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18; Acts 28:1-31; Psalm 9:1-12; Proverbs 19:1-3

“David had said to his troops, ‘Whoever is first to attack the Jebusites will become the commander of my armies!’ And Joab, the son of David’s sister Zeruiah, was first to attack, so he became the commander of David’s armies.”

“For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ.”

“I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.”

The San Antonio Spurs (I’m a BIG fan!) have played most of this year with one or more of their big guns hurt. Manu Ginobli, in particular, has spent more time sitting behind the bench in his suit than on the floor in the game. Injuries are just a part of life in the NBA, and sometimes, they are blessings in disguise. Early in the season, both Ginobli and Tony Parker were seriously hobbled. However, the Spurs were still able to play over .500 ball, largely because the absence of those two stars opened the door for the emergence of the two newest stars, Roger Mason, Jr. and George Hill. Taking advantage of their opportunities to shine, both players not only gained precious experience but actually established themselves as very effective contributors to the team in their own rights.

In sports, it’s called “stepping up,” moving ahead to fill the gap left by another. In discipleship, the concept is pretty much the same. We each have roles in the Body of Christ uniquely tailored to our particular gifts and graces by our loving Creator. But sometimes, we have to play “out of position” or venture into areas of ministry outside our comfort zone for the sake of the Kingdom. When we do, the rewards can be better than we might expect, and they usually end up in a lot of opportunities we would not have experienced otherwise. Christ does not grow us if He cannot move us. Even when the movement is not to our strength, it is important to be flexible and see the possibilities.

Joab did exactly that. David offered an opportunity, and Joab jumped at it. There’s no indication he hesitated or stopped to consider his qualifications on paper. He didn’t let anxiety or insecurities rule his action. He did not worry about what his men might think of his ascension to commander, or whether others would gossip about him taking advantage of his relationship as David’s nephew.  He simply positioned himself to stand in the gap for his master.

Paul stepped up in a different way. After literally years of suffering rejection, persecution and verbal and physical abuse, it would have been easy to hang ‘em up and let others carry the Word to the Gentiles. It would have been tempting to let others take the heat. But he didn’t. Instead, Paul actually took advantage of his “legal” troubles and his captors to get to Rome and eventually present his testimony, according to tradition, to no less than Caesar himself. Even in captivity and after being reviled by his own people, Paul never faltered. He continued to present the Gospel with boldness and power, whatever his circumstances.

That’s the kind of creativity and adaptability through which the Spirit works best. It’s not about us. It’s about us getting to a place where Jesus can work through us. It’s about seeing the chance to step up, and seizing it. The next time I’m given an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and step up for the Savior, I’m going to think a lot longer and harder before declining. It takes no personal sacrifice or character to say no to risk and the adventure of living beyond our abilities and standard operating procedures. But it doesn’t promote growth or wisdom to keep doing the same old things, either. I pray that God will reveal to each of us new things He has for us to do, and that each of us will always be willing to step up to meet those challenges He presents.