MONDAY MORNING MOMENTS November 03, 1997 Vol. II Number 40
A father took his son to see the San Diego Padres play the San Francisco Giants. They bought hot dogs, soft drinks, popcorn, Cracker Jacks, and a program. They settled into their seats along first base line all set to watch an exciting game. At the top of the first inning, the Padres pitcher walked the first three batters, loading the bases. The fourth batter hit a grand-slam home run. Inexplicable, the manager did not take him out until the Giants had scored four more runs. And there were still no outs.
Before the relief pitcher could get the Padres out of the first inning, the score was 12-0. When they came up to bat, they were retired in order. By the end of the second inning, the score had escalated to 19-0. Even before some of the latecomers had taken their seats, the game was already over. The Padre players had so lost heart that they could scarcely swing a bat or throw a ball. Angry fans were booing and throwing things. People were streaming towards the exits. What a disaster. While eating his hot dog, the father set out on a crazy line of thinking.
What would it be like if by some magic I could return the game to zero to zero right now, at the beginning of the third inning? With that kind of score, the Padres - having been given a whole new life - would play with greater intensity and heightened enthusiasm. The people heading toward their cars would return to their seats. The fans would settle down. The resulting competition would renew their spirits to where they would begin to cheer again. It would be a brand new ball game. That is precisely how forgiveness works. When we are down 19-0 with no hope of recovery in sight, when all of our relievers, our “saviors,” have failed, and when all human support systems have headed for the exits, then it is that Jesus steps in. He wipes out the deficit. He lifts us up. He sets us on our feet. He restores our spirit. He gives us new hope. With Jesus as our manager, our pitcher, and our heavy hitter, it is a whole new ball game. “therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation”
“Look at the Nations and watch - and be UTTERLY AMAZED. for I am going to do something in YOUR days that you would not believe even if you were told” Habakkuk 1:5
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