One of my least favorite childhood memories is that when the family would gather for picnics or reunions we children were fed first. Then we would be strongly encouraged to go outside, or off in the field to play while the adults talked about whatever it was that adults talked about when the children were absent. Left to our own devices, we would choose up sides for a game of softball or kick-the-can. Someone would toss a coin to determine who would be the captains of the teams. Then came the awful part for me, as each team captain would choose his/her players, always beginning with the best and most athletic ones. Finally, reluctantly, one of the captains would be forced to choose me, but even then, I would be selected only if that would even up the teams. Naturally, I dreaded this blatant confrontation with the reality of my limited ability to play either softball or kick-the-can. The truth is, I was no real asset to any team in any sport. Sometimes when not chosen, I would be given the role of scorekeeper.

Human life is like that in all things. We must make choices regarding who we will play with ~ work with ~ who we are compatible with. But life in Jesus Christ is totally opposite. He has made the choice to live in us and to accept us as we are with every shortcoming.

Today's reading from the gospel of John continues the Easter cycle of lectionary readings that gives us the closest look at the relationship between Jesus and his disciples. He had chosen each of them, even knowing every flaw and weakness in their characters. He knew which of them would deny any knowledge of him at the trial. He knew that Judas would hand him over to the chief priests and temple guard. He knew that all of them would disappear during the ordeal of his crucifixion, and would not surface again until forced to do so after the resurrection when he had come to them again. Although Matthew, Mark and Luke record just how Jesus called some of the disciples, John shares with the readers both the intensity and the intimacy of Jesus' relationship with those whom he had chosen. I believe that all the things John tells us, especially in chapters 14-16 from which today's reading is taken apply also to us who truly wish to be close to our Lord and Savior. I am also convinced that, even though we choose our teammates, our friends, our favorite foods, even our church preferences, that God in Christ has removed from us that ultimate decision of whether or not we will be God's people. When Jesus took up the cross, he did so because he had made the choice to redeem the world from sin and give all people that second chance. For this reason, he took those chosen disciples, and us beyond the role of servanthood, allowing us to become his friends. When he appeared to the disciples after the resurrection, they were no longer to be just followers. They were to be his friends from now on.

God has chosen to put all the people of the world on God's team. Yet, strange though it may seem, God has also extended to all the people of the world the freedom to walk away from the team. Some prefer not to enter into divine friendship and Christian service to the Lord. Today, some young people make the conscious decision to leave the church for a while because they suppose that the church's worship services and educational programs no longer speak to their particular needs and concerns. But some long forgotten verse of scripture or some old familiar hymn-tune causes thoughts of Jesus to resurface from somewhere deep within the sub-conscious. They recall hearing in church and/or Sunday School that Jesus died for them; and renewed faith takes on greater meaning as He is revealed to them as Lord and Savior and friend and they return to the church strengthened and energized because Jesus has met them in their situations.

Jesus Christ the Son of God is like the captain of the team ~ and I don't have to worry about my weakness. You don't have to worry about your limitations either. We love one another, and we serve God together by showing and telling others that they too have chosen to be on the Lord's team. John, that beloved disciple, said one time that God loved the world so much that he gave His Son, so that whoever would believe in Him would not perish, but would live forever. The cross was not taken up just for a few souls who had run away, or who stood off at a distance to watch him die. It was carried to provide reconciliation for all Christians. However, some Christians take comfort in supposing that their choice to follow Jesus puts them in a class above other believers, or makes them the only true believers. I'm glad they are certain of their choice. But all Christians have Christ's own promise that we did not have to choose him. For he already made the decision to die and to rise again and ascend to the Father to make intercession on our behalf. I myself find greater assurance and peace of mind when I accept this reality. The responsibility to choose does not rest in my human indecision. Although I might travel down uncertain paths, the fact still and forever remains that Jesus laid down his life for me; and the cross offers me the same hope and friendship that was given freely to the first disciples, all of whom ran swiftly down the path away from him when he was arrested and taken away for trial and execution. Perhaps we shall forsake him too, overwhelmed by circumstances beyond either our control or our understanding. Yet when we stray, he is still there for us, welcoming us back into his loving presence without question.

Jesus Christ is the friend who binds our hearts to his and who loves and forgives all of us who try our best to trust him. He is our team captain; and he chooses us, not because we are strong players, but in spite of our inability to properly play the game. He encourages us to draw freely upon the special strength of His Holy Spirit which empowers and sustains us.

The softball and kick-the-can games I was forced to endure as a child were won by those who knew how to win. The rules of Christian life are different. Christ our Lord and captain has chosen us and teaches us through the experience of living. In the end, when all is said and done, we shall know for certain that Jesus has been and forever shall be our truest friend because he has chosen to live and die and rise again so that all of us may find our lives complete through Him. Amen.