22it is He who has also put His seal on us [that is, He has appropriated us and certified us as His] and has given us the [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as a pledge [like a security deposit to guarantee the fulfillment of His promise of eternal life]. 1 Corinthians 1:22 Amplified Bible
My youngest son wants to know all of the rules to all sports. He is 4 and he picks the games up quicker than my other two did at his age. This past summer, when my middle child preferred Lego camp, my youngest attended Jimmy Chambers Basketball Camp. I’ve seen Jimmy for years around the Christ Church’s athletic program but never really had any interaction with him other than a polite greeting.
Then last week, I read the following story on WREG about a 14 year old who was saved from going down a gang-entwined path: https://wreg.com/news/local/kids-and-crime/why-a-14-year-old-honor-student-joined-a-gang-and-what-it-took-to-get-out/
Down in the article I read these lines. (Emphasis mine.)
His aunt called her friend, Jimmy Chambers. He’s a gang investigator in Shelby County and at the time, had began mentoring boys in similar situations to Wilson’s.
“I said bring him right now. Bring him to me,” Chambers said.
The two had a long talk, and Chambers didn’t hesitate to step in.“I went back to the hood and found the little leaders, and I advised them he is off limits. He is mine now, and if you want to continue to bother him, then you bother me,” Chambers said.
I’ve thought about this declaration and claiming all week. I want to know the man Jimmy Chambers even more now than before. How many other people do we know that are doing amazing things in Christ’s image? Jimmy’s declaration to the gang leaders also makes me think of how Christ claims us out of a fallen world. What a rescuer and redeemer we have in Jesus and how fortunate was the young man Jimmy saved.
Both Jesus and Jimmy stood in the gap for someone else. (In Jesus’ case, that would be all of us.) Their love was their strength. That strength is a comfort for those protected by it. It is a witness to this world that their is a higher power that will be obeyed. We do not have to succumb to this fading world. Thank God.
Father God, we thank you for claiming us as Your own. You show us that all life created in Your image is precious. Thank you for Jimmy Chambers and the untold stories of others who stand up and protect the weak. Lord, bless them. Bless their work. Protect them from evil. Equip them with courage and strength. May Your Holy Spirit be present in them.
Lord, raise up more sons and daughters of Christ who claim your lost sheep and bring them back into the fold. We confess our selfishness and fear to you that keeps us tucked away under blankets or behind keyboards. Work in the pews to convict Your children to act boldly in obedience to their faith. Darkness shall not prevail over light.
Lord, may we claim victory, in Jesus, today. In Christ’s name, amen.