Minor league baseball added a unique rule this season and last night it was executed in a wild way when the Clearwater Threshers (Phillies) played the Tampa Tarpons (Yankees) and won the game 1-0, despite having no hits and no walks!
The rule dictates a runner is placed at second base at the start of each extra inning, in order for games to be shortened. So even though Clearwater's runner didn’t get a hit or walk or "earn" a trip to second base, that’s where he was freely invited to go during last night's extra-inning play.
Clearwater was able to advance the runner to third base (due to a Tampa error) and then the runner made it home after another batter grounded out to first. That run gave them the win since Tampa was unable to score in the bottom of the extra inning.
Even though Tampa played extremely well and gave up no hits and no walks, they ended up losing.
This is an excellent illustration of grace and the gospel. As imperfect people, we've "all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) and deserve to be “out.”
However, because of God’s great love, He implemented a way for us to be “placed at second base” through no effort of our own. There is nothing we did or can do to deserve it, but because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are offered a free opportunity to “run on over to second base” with His grace.
The Bible explains in Ephesians 2:8-9 (AMP), “For it is by grace that you have been saved through faith. And this is not of yourselves , but it is the gift of God; not as a result of works , so that no one will boast or take credit in any way .”
When we compare this amazing truth through the lens of Clearwater winning (despite not doing anything worthy of gaining access to second base free and clear), we realize how undeserving we are of the access God gives us to Himself through Jesus. We have no hits or walks (or good works) to justify our entrance into His presence.
On the flipside, those of us who think we're good enough because of what we do, and that we earn God’s love and salvation based on our works, are like Tampa pitching an incredible game and giving a great effort, but still falling short of victory.
Today, let's be reminded that the pressure is off, God is good, and "2nd base" freely awaits us because of His mercy.
“So then God’s choice is not dependent on human will, nor on human effort , but on God who shows mercy ” (Romans 9:16 - AMP).
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for Your grace and mercy and for giving me access to You, salvation, and eternal life. Thank you that it’s not based on my efforts or my weak attempt at good works. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Comments