As sports fans, there is something undeniably special about going to a baseball game in person. I’ve been to Wrigley Field in Chicago and PNC Park in Pittsburgh, and a few other sweet stadiums along the way.
The unique sights, sounds, and smells of a major league ballpark can’t help but draw you into a memorable experience.
Unfortunately, a young girl who was recently enjoying an evening at a Houston Astros game was struck by a line drive foul ball during the fourth inning. This was scary and painful for her and an overall devastating scene for fans and players to witness.
When a powerfully thrown ball is hit with great speed and goes in the wrong direction, the situation is extremely dangerous. Fans love a foul ball that’s easy to catch, but when sitting in the direct line of a foul ball leaving a bat at over 100 mph (with nothing to stop it), a detrimental outcome is possible.
This latest incident was another wake-up call for Major League Baseball, as many players were distraught when they found out what happened to the little girl. As a result, a serious discussion is taking place to figure out ways to prevent this from happening in the future.
One of the ways to fix the issue is to extend the protective foul ball net. Right now there are too many seats at risk because the net isn’t providing safety in certain sections – the reason why this girl was hit.
Some people argue that the net obstructs the view of the field, and don’t want it to get in the way any more than it already does. But in reality, the net should be implemented anywhere a fan could be put in harm’s way.
Teams should want their fans to be able to watch the game in peace and not be fearful of a ball knocking them out. Ultimately, a net is what’s best for fans even though not everyone believes it’s necessary.
Differing perspectives on the foul ball net are similar to how we view God’s commandments. We know God gives us guidelines and His Word for how we’re meant to live, but many of us view them as rules and regulations that get in the way of our “fun.”
Unfortunately, we don’t see His commandments as protection from the harm that sin causes, and feel like we don’t need them.
A full and abundant life is found in Jesus, and obedience to His way is actually what’s best for us. His loving guardrails or “net of protection” can prevent the pain that comes when sin hits us in the face.
When we leave ourselves open to sin without viewing life through the lens of His “net of protection,” we can find ourselves directly in harm’s way and in a position to get hit by a “line drive.”
God loves us and reveals the best way to live for our good and our protection. We can avoid unnecessary pain, and live with peace and no fear when we seek a life within the “net of protection.”
Today, let's be encouraged to view God’s Word with a thankful perspective...and remember He knows what’s best for us.
Let’s start by allowing these verses to sink in:
Psalm 19:8-11 (NLT), “The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.
“The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I believe Your commandments are in place for my protection, and I ask that You would give me wisdom not to put myself in positions that leave me open to sin. Thank you for Your love and the life You allow me to live. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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