The 12th man

The history of the 12th man is a neat one to me. In college football they call the crowd the 12th man, but it had one distinct situation arise in 1922. At Texas A & M University the football team was locked in a close battle with Centre College who was the #1 ranked team in the nation. They were tied when they had a couple of players go down with injuries. THe coach then signalled to some of his associates in the box above the stands to come down for a minute. The team was going to run short of players real soon if they didn't do anything. So they motioned for a young man who played on the basketball team and had been to the football workouts over teh off season. That young man rushed down out of the stands, went into the locker room and put on a jersey and pads. He stood teh entire remainder of the game right next to the coaches as he was the only player left to sub in by the fourth quarter. He stood there waiting his turn, it never came but that isn't the point I am making.
In Issaiah the prophet makes the comment to God, Here am I send me. What an awesome way to respond to God, much the same way the young A & M student did for his football team.
To this day the entire student body of Texas A & M stands throughout the whole game just to let the coaches know that they are ready to go if needed. One coach even incorporated a 12th man special team that allowed walk on students to try out for the kick off team.
What an amazing analogy for the church today. On Sunday mornings during worship, during the sermon, during the invitation, and all through the service in what position are you? Are you standing up, saying here am I send me. Or are you sitting down wanting to be entertained? God knows, God sees teh heart and knows the motives. Worship is not a spectator sport, neither is church membership. So stand up, be that 12th man ready for service at any moment, so that God can use you to further His kingdom.
Thanks for reading and have a great day!