Any baseball fan who knows the history of the game knows the name, Bob Feller. He was a Hall of Fame baseball pitcher for the Cleveland Indians with the most respected fastball during his era. And, one day, I played catch with him.
My college coach, Boo Ferriss, who played for the Boston Red Sox, was a contemporary of Feller’s and had maintained a close friendship with him since their playing days. At the start of my freshman year, Coach Ferriss invited “Bullet Bob” to hang around our team for a week. Feller would have been in his sixties then.
The great pitcher decided he wanted to throw batting practice for our team. I was the closest one nearby, so he picked up a glove and ball, and started warming up with me. He was throwing a lot harder than a 60+ year old should be able to throw. It wasn’t long before Mr. Feller began to make a mockery of our team in batting practice. At least I didn’t have to bat against him! I have a signed picture of Mr. Feller in my office given to me by a friend who knows this story. I’ll never forget playing catch with one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history.
As servants of worship ministry, we have an infinitely better opportunity than that.
The eternal God of the universe wants to be in worship ministry with us. The work is His and His alone. But, for our benefit and blessing, He invites us to participate in the work with him – to play “catch” – as He does what only He can do.
Jesus amazes us. He knows every heart and every need. He has the power to break chains and set captives free. He gives us the energy and the spirit to lead and to serve. There is not a single one of us that He needs to accomplish His purposes. And yet, He gently invites us into His work.
“Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” (Psalm 95:6, CSB)
We join our Savior, King, and friend to lead the worship in His house of praise. The next time you walk out to lead, remember who is leading with you.
He is the Greatest of all time.
Mike Harland is the Director of Lifeway Worship. When he’s not directing 30+ employees, you’ll find him leading worship at various churches around the country, writing/arranging worship songs and/or, writing his next book (checkout his latest book: Worship Essentials). In his spare time, he loves playing basketball and spending time with his family (and his two new grand-babies). Visit MikeHarland.com to keep up with all that Mike has going on.
Amen. Great message and reminder!