I get this mental picture as I read the passing of the mission of God from John the Baptist to Jesus and then from Jesus to his followers. His followers do not know they will be taking the “baton of Good News” yet, but they will. The team is being added to daily. They must be taught, trained through practice, and encouraged by the Master Coach before they are sent out to the “field” to race.

Mark 1, The Message

God’s Kingdom Is Here (Let the Game begin!)
12-13 At once, this same Spirit pushed Jesus out into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by Satan. Wild animals were his companions, and angels took care of him.

14-15 After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee preaching the Message of God: “Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message.”

16-18 Passing along the beach of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew net-fishing. Fishing was their regular work. Jesus said to them, “Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” They didn’t ask questions. They dropped their nets and followed.

19-20 A dozen yards or so down the beach, he saw the brothers James and John, Zebedee’s sons. They were in the boat, mending their fishnets. Right off, he made the same offer. Immediately, they left their father Zebedee, the boat, and the hired hands, and followed.

The race is on! Have we accepted the baton or have we dropped it somewhere along the race? I ask that of myself this morning. I know I’m not perfect but I’m perfectly forgiven. God always gives enough grace to jump back into the Race of a lifetime! On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!

In Jesus Name, Amen! I believe.