The World Series Gave Us Everything

Baseball fans just witnessed one of the best playoffs, one of the most memorable World Series, and one of the most exciting Game 7s, and in the end, the Los Angeles Dodgers won again.

The Dodgers became the first repeat champions since the Yankees won 3 straight World Series from 1998 to 2000, pulling out a 5-4 comeback victory in extra innings of Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays.

This series had it all, and Game 7 gave us everything we could have dreamed of and more. The superstars, the storylines, the classic moments, the surprising heroes, and the key managerial decisions all contributed to this epic World Series.

As TheAthletic.com summed it up, “It was a game that included everything. Balls that soared over the wall and changed everything, a win for Yoshinobu Yamamoto one day after he threw 96 pitches and won Game 6, mind-blowing defensive plays. Both benches even cleared at one point. The result was familiar, though: a Dodgers triumph.”

The Dodgers and Blue Jays provided us with everything needed for a memorable Fall Classic, including drama, tension, an 18-inning game, a walk-off home run, consistent hitting, elite pitching, lots of home runs, and a close call at the plate.

In an article on TheAthletic.com with the headline, “Why the Dodgers and Blue Jays Just Played the Greatest Game 7 in World Series History,” writer Tyler Kepner explains how, according to his criteria, this game gave us everything that is ”guaranteed to make a Game 7 special:

• Extra innings.

• The winning team overcoming a deficit of at least three runs.

• A team losing the lead in the ninth inning or later.

• A Golden Pitch.”

He writes, “A Golden Pitch is the most dramatic situation possible in the sport, the rare instance in which either team can win the World Series on a given pitch.” (This situation happened at the bottom of the 11th inning, resulting in a series-ending double play.)

Tyler Kepner determined that there have been 15 winner-take-all World Series games that met at least one of those four criteria, but this was the only one that really had everything! (Only two other games had 3 of those criteria). 

As we consider how we just witnessed the greatest World Series Game 7 ever played because it had it all, I want to parallel this to the different ways, as followers of Jesus, we have everything we need.

First off, when we place our faith in Jesus and His death and resurrection, we are given everything we need to be saved from sin and death and to have eternal life and every spiritual blessing.

Titus 3:5-7 (NLT) states, “...He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.”He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of His grace, He made us right in His sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”

Ephesians 1:3 (NLT) declares, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.”

We have it all in Christ as He’s given us grace, peace, joy, hope, and purpose. He’s given us His presence and the opportunity to know God personally. As we live here on earth following Jesus, God also gives us everything we need to live the life He’s called us to.

2 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT) tells us, “By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the One who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence.

“And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”

Hebrews 13:21 (NLT) says, “May He equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to Him forever and ever! Amen.”

Also, when we turn to God, in Christ, we have everything we need for our souls to be truly satisfied. Psalm 107:9 (ESV) encourages us with these words: “For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things.”

Lastly, as we live generously, we can trust that God will provide everything we need and bless us in ways beyond our comprehension. 

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (NLT) explains, “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”

As Paul writes in Philippians 4:19 (NLT), “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

This year’s World Series and Game 7 finale had it all, as baseball fans were blown away by how these games delivered everything we could have asked for — and more.

Today, as we walk with Jesus, we have it all because we know Him. Let’s be in awe and amazement at everything God continues to provide us, especially His presence, as we live for Him and by His power. 

Let us proclaim, “Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20; AMP).

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m so thankful to know You and to have everything I need in Christ. Thank you for always providing for me and knowing what I need. I know I have it all because of Your love, grace, and kindness. You are so good and so powerful. Help me to remain in awe of You and not take Your blessings for granted. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.