Cricket and Christ: Cricketing great Peter Pollock urges you to join the team

As the summer of cricket is upon us it seemed appropriate to report on the speaking tour in Victoria of former South African Cricket great, Peter Pollock, who urged the audience to consider Christ and join His team.

Pollock played cricket tests for South Africa as a champion fast bowler from 1962-70 (at which time South Africa was banned from Test cricket over the apartheid issue). When South Africa rejoined the world cricket community in the early 90s he became the convener of national cricket selectors. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Pollock)

During his life journey he became a follower of Jesus. He now tours the world speaking and telling people about who Jesus is and what He has done for them.

Birth of the Christ's Church

Pollock explained that the Bible's book, "Acts" (in chapter two), gives an account of the start of the Church. The Church's work continues today and will keep going until it is complete. That work, Pollock explains, is to preach the Gospel and through this the Spirit works orderly and meticulously to bring people to Jesus. "His timing is perfect," Pollock assures.

Christ's completed work is the Church's message

"Look at the example of Jesus," Pollock urged his audience. As a young boy He explained that He did not travel home from Jerusalem with his parents because, "I must be about my Father's business." Jesus work was to fulfill this Gospel promise. At Jesus death He said, "It is finished."

So what was this Gospel message? Pollock explained that Jesus came to save sinners. The Church's role is to share this good news of salvation from God's justice. As we come to Jesus, trusting in His saving work, we received grace and freedom.

He linked it with cricket by saying it is like joining Jesus' team, with Him as the Captain that wins the match for His side. "Join His side!" he urged.

As Pollock travels the world sharing this Gospel about Jesus, he is conscious of how this message can be diluted down. "A wish-washy gospel leads to wish-washy Christians. God offers life out of death: Regeneration!

The Holy Spirit shows us our sin and desperate need for Jesus." Pollock's final appeal was to the continuing Church to stay strong and preach this good news of peace with God through Jesus.

Jeremy Dover is a former sports scientist and pastor

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