ANYONE FOR CRICKET?

A farmer sowing seed, a lamp on a stand, a lesson about a growing seed or, a story about a tiny mustard seed. Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. In fact, in His public ministry He never taught without using parables; but afterwards, when He was alone with His disciples, He explained everything to them.

Mark 4:33-34 says: “With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.”

Now that we have well and truly entered the summer period, we see the excitement in people of watching a favourite sport. Whether that is a football, rugby or a hockey match, or even a cricket match. Being from Northern Ireland, I can say that cricket is a game I’ve taken little interest in, likely due to the pace of some games and at times it seemed to me to be like watching paint dry. Added to that was the inclement weather we would consistently have.

My late uncle Billy used to love the game, though, and whenever I would visit him on a Saturday morning, he would be glued to the TV set. You could see the excitement in his eyes as he would comment on the fine, the deep mid, the silly, the short square, the leg slip, the gully. Uncle Billy really hoped that I would take his comments and explanations of the game onboard as he would commentate throughout the game, but the truth was I only ever listened half-heartedly.

Like me, if you’re not familiar with these terms, you’ll likely find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time if ever playing a game of cricket and would certainly contribute to the loss of the game for your team.

Where would one learn the terminology for the game? Well, it is readily available in the encyclopaedia. As one of our church members, who is the captain of a cricket team in the city, would often say, learning the terminology and ‘actually playing’ the game are two different things entirely.

Playing the positions well can only come from ‘experience’ on the cricket field.

Jesus was a Master at speaking in riddles for the public, while at the same time teaching His Disciples valuable lessons. His words both taught and challenged.He taught those who could hear with faith, and challenged those who were trying to trap him.

My prayer for you today is that you will tune in to what Jesus is saying by His Holy Spirit. And although there is a vast difference between playing a game of cricket and working in the kingdom of God, my hope is that you will both hear His voice and understand His directions for your next faith steps when you get alone with Him.

So whether it is at national or local church level, in your family or place of employment, by listening clearly to His voice and joining together with co-workers you will know the spiritual blueprint of Jesus’ instructions for building His kingdom before He comes or calls.

May you “Knock it for six” in your understanding of God’s purpose for your life as you listen to and trust Him for the future.