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Feeling anxious or concerned

Prophet Jesus, despite being met with scorn by his own people, imparted the lesson that often, homegrown prophets encounter disregard in their homeland.

Expressing concern
Expressing concern

Feeling anxious or concerned

In the world of sports and religion, there are tales of individuals who were overlooked and under-appreciated, only to rise above and leave a lasting impact. Two such figures are Mark Eaton, a renowned NBA player, and Jesus, a prophet from the Bible.

Mark Eaton, standing at an imposing 7' 4", was once deemed useless in basketball during his university days. Working outside professional basketball as an auto mechanic, he was discovered late and recruited by the Utah Jazz. Despite the odds stacked against him, Eaton blossomed into one of the NBA's best defenders, setting records for blocks per game and winning multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards.

This narrative of under-appreciation is not unique to Eaton. Many professionals, particularly athletes, start their careers with little recognition, only to become stars later. John Stockton and Karl Malone, both with the Utah Jazz, are prime examples. Stockton, an initially unknown draft pick, was booed by fans, but he went on to become an NBA legend alongside Malone.

Jesus, too, experienced scorn from his own people when they rejected his claims of being the Son of God. Despite performing miracles and teaching profound lessons, he could not perform them in his own land due to the unbelief of those around him.

These stories serve as reminders that initial scouting and public perception do not always capture a person's eventual impact and legacy. People should treat those around them with respect, giving opportunities and honour where it is due, regardless of their age, strength, or familiarity.

Envy, jealousy, and dissensions may be reasons for a lack of appreciation in certain situations. People should not worry too much if they are not always honoured themselves and should instead honour those who work in their own land. This advice applies not only to the sports field but also to our churches and communities.

In the end, it's essential to remember that a prophet is often not honored in his own country, and those known to us for a long time may be overlooked or under-appreciated. It's crucial to esteem our team, friends, acquaintances, and members of our church, and to appreciate those who work hard and make a positive impact, whether they are strangers or familiar faces.

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