September 6, 2016 – Words of Wisdom
Wayne Gretsky

“You miss 100% of the shots you never take”

“Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; 19 Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.” Matthew 19:16-22

Wayne Gretsky is known as “The Great One” to many hockey enthusiasts. In his many years of playing hockey, he demonstrated a grace and skill that few can match while playing a game on ice. He seemed to have a sixth sense for knowing where to go with the puck, and where to be without the puck. Wayne Gretzky holds or shares 61 NHL records: 40 for the regular season, 15 for the Stanley Cup playoffs and six for the NHL All-Star Game. (about sports website) It looks to me as if about 40 of those records have to do with scoring a goal, making an assist for scoring a goal, and multiple goal scored in a period and in a game. In other words, he knows something about taking a shot – risk or no risk.

The rich young ruler, however, was not willing to take a shot with Jesus. He was too comfortable, too rich, and too happy with his possessions. Jesus had told him what he needed to make the team as a disciple, and the man wasn’t even willing to give it a shot. And as such, he missed one of the greatest opportunities of his life. How many opportunities have we missed to help someone, to live into our faith, or to learn something about our faith because we have allowed that opportunity to slide on by? What opportunities will present themselves today for you to take a shot at being a disciple, a follower of Jesus? No one knows, because each day is different filled with all kinds of opportunities. We do not need to be “A Great Disciple”, we just need to be willing to give it a shot.

Pastor Dave