A New Starting Lineup

When the triumphant enter the field, their very presence alters how the game is played. The rival team knows that these champions are not easily bested, and will, therefore, resort to cheating to win the challenge. While the reputations of the truly victorious are marked with integrity and valor, the character of their opposition is also well-known, for this line of despots won’t hesitate to abuse the universal rules established to govern the field, and consequently, will send in chaos from the bench as a way to camouflage their dirty tricks.

Although some lesser skilled players might fall for these manipulative antics, this varsity team is not so easily fooled, for these victors embraced their training as eager students who could not wait to face down the enemy. Let none be mistaken, each member of My team is highly valued, but there are some who put hours of time in with the Trainer, which is why they are so effective in advancing My cause and taking ground.

So then, just as when an athlete goes through a conditioning process, where he or she focuses upon developing muscles and skill, so, too, are those selected to be a part of My squad sent through spiritual training: those seasons of inner strengthening they experience before they are sent out onto the field with the varsity team. Though, at times it’s rather rigorous, this deeper conditioning is required, and cannot be avoided, for to discern the opposition’s plans for advancement involves a keen understanding of his usual moves.

But since some were advanced by the hands of man before completing their training, I have seen it necessary (in this stage of the game) to have these benched, for their position on the field will compromise the efforts of their fellow teammates. So then some shifting shall occur on the front line, for many of those thought to be the Church’s “starting lineup” shall disappear from their usual place. However, don’t be concerned as these holes shall be filled with brethren who have been specifically trained for this new era of the Church: those of My own who lean heavily on My Spirit for direction.

And while some might count this shift in leadership as a strike against the home team, any Coach worth his salt knows when it is the season to add fresh eyes on the field, those that aren’t playing from the position of past victories to win the current contest.

So with careful evaluation I have studied My team, knowing who is no longer fit to stand on its frontline. For though I gave these athletes plenty of room to shape up, My warnings were ignored. Therefore, like an athlete who is past his prime, I shall pull these to the sidelines, where they will go through a process of internal re-conditioning so that they align with the new vision I have cast for the team.

Here and there expect to see My hand thinning the front line, but do not be disturbed when you hear of this happening, for those who are no longer deemed by Me as suitable to lead are being moved aside to make space for a new starting lineup, one that is not limited in size, as I allow more athletes onto the field instead of just a select few.

Suddenly this change shall be apparent, for I have been moving about behind the scenes to see My plans for the Church fulfilled. No longer shall only a small number be called from the bench,  for those whom I have seen equipped and ready shall step out onto the field and lead the way to a jubilant season for the Church, where many more names are added to My roster.