Good evening brethren and Happy Sabbath!

Baseball!

I always enjoyed baseball. Although, to be honest, we usually played softball or wiffleball, but you get the idea. The smell of fresh cut grass, the crack of the bat and the feel of a well worn glove. Something about it all just feels right.

One of the complaints though I often hear about baseball is that it’s boring to watch. There’s a lot of standing around and when there is action, it’s usually over in a few seconds.  

Depends where you’re standing

The thing is, that’s the perspective of the crowd.  It often seems like very little is happening. But when you’re on the field, it’s a little different. Before every pitch, there’s a tense moment of anticipation. Will the ball come my way? If it does, what do I need to do? Do I step on the bag, or throw it? And if I throw it, who do I throw it to?

Sometimes, I think perhaps we view the Kingdom of God the same way a spectator in a crowd views a baseball game. It’s something we’re familiar with, and even interested in.  We read about it, study it and pray about it, but feel like there’s not much else we can do. Besides, there are plenty of other things we are directly involved in now like going to work, making dinner or cutting the grass. Things that are right in front of us and take our attention right now.

Change positions

If that’s how you find yourself thinking of the Kingdom of God, it’s time to change positions. Move away from being a spectator, and get on the field! Be watchful of what is going on in our world and in your own life and view each day with anticipation. 

If the kingdom comes right now, what would you do? Obviously, there will be some moments of dumb-struck awe for all of us at the wonder that we will experience at Christ’s return. But beyond that, how will we react? Will we stand around, wondering what might happen next, or will we be ready to jump in and ‘play ball?’ 

Brethren, let’s be ready and anticipating the chance to serve in the place Jesus Christ has prepared for us!