Extra Innings

Whatever mission Saul sent him on, David was so successful that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the troops, and Saul’s officers as well.

– 1 Samuel 18:5

With the 2022 Major League Baseball season well underway, it’s a great time to remember one of the all-time greats of America’s Pastime: Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr.

Nicknamed Iron Man, Ripkin was an outstanding shortstop who combined power with average. His 20-year career with the Baltimore Orioles reflects American League Rookie of the Year honors, two Gold Glove Awards, 12 seasons with at least 20 home runs, and 3,184 hits. He was also selected for the All-Star Game 19 times. But he’s likely best remembered as breaking New York Yankee legend Lou Gehrig’s record of 2,130 consecutive games played by logging a remarkable streak of 2,632 of his own.

Ripkin no doubt played an inning or two of his remarkable career while hurt, sick or even exhausted. But he always carried on for the good of his team. And his persistence, dedication, and love of the game even helped the Orioles win the 1983 World Series. Ripkin succeeded in baseball for two decades because he had the strength and willpower to go the extra inning. Likewise, it’s in much the same way that God’s grace (undeserved kindness) sustains every Christ-follower throughout their extended journeys of faith. 

A misconception among some Believers is that God only presents his grace to them the moment they give their lives to Jesus. After that, they reason, he steps back into the cosmos to watch in silence. But the Bible tells us that our Creator remains by our side. And it’s a good thing. Because from time to time, we all need spiritual renewal as we grow in what it means to follow in Jesus’ steps. Even the apostles — the ones who personally witnessed Christ’s life-changing miracles — had to ask the Lord to increase their faith.

The apostles were both physically and spiritually drained after abandoning their livelihoods and then following Jesus for three years. And when their Master was arrested, tried and crucified, they scattered in fear for their lives — just as he had predicted. But they soon experienced revival the night Christ reappeared to them. Here’s how John’s gospel describes the remarkable scene:

In the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples had met together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood right in the middle of them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he showed them his hands and his side, and when they saw the Lord, the disciples were overjoyed. Jesus said to them again, “Yes, peace be with you! Just as the Father sent me, so I am now going to send you.”

These early Believers could now continue their world-changing mission, empowered by their renewed confidence in Christ alone. It was through him that they had the faith and power to both accomplish their tasks and endure until the end. 

Like a beleaguered baseball team that relies on their tenacity to finally clinch the league championship, Christ-followers depend on a special Power, which enables them to persist through those difficult extra innings of life. And it’s this same Power that guarantees believers like you and me that we’ll one day be safe at home.