Major League Baseball (MLB)

Shohei Ohtani: Watching History

Ken

Jesus Christ is ready to return. The Middle East is exploding. But, have you heard, “Did Shohei Ohtani Just Have the Greatest Game of All Time?” God allows us the benefit of a smile, when everything around us seems so grim. “And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof” (Zechariah 8:5 KJV). “Three homers. Two doubles. Two steals. Ten RBIs. And a 6-for-6 outing at the plate,” according to the Wall Street Journal article. Ohtani was responsible for half of the points in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ victory over the Miami Marlins. He completed the game with 51 home runs and 51 stolen bases, a MLB first to achieve 50-50 in a season. Shohei Ohtani is not just a credit to the Dodgers, but to Major League Baseball. “I’m happy, relieved and very respectful to the peers and everybody who came before who played the sport of baseball,” Ohtani said after the game, speaking Japanese through an interpreter. Ohtani’s respectful demeanor towards others, even his opponents, is noticed and appreciated. Reminds us to keep our eyes on the prize. “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

Joy of Our Heart

Ken

God’s words are our unspeakable joy. Are they not? Or, can they be? Even when commanded to bring the difficult message of coming judgment to fellow Judeans, Jeremiah reminded himself of the unwavering joy that comes only by embracing God’s words. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, O LORD God of hosts” (Jeremiah 15:16 KJV). Spirit of God, work to make Your words the joy and rejoicing of my heart. In the film “The Rookie” (2002), Dennis Quaid plays an older baseball rookie (Jimmy Morris) trying to make it into Major League Baseball (MLB) through the minor leagues, but he was getting discouraged. Watching a little league field of young players, he remembers his enjoyment of the game and is inspired to make another (and successful) attempt into the major leagues. The next morning, he announces to his friend, “Brooks, you know what we get to do today? We get to play baseball!” Pray that God’s Spirit would give us that kind of enjoyment in seeking Him, His Word, and His message. 

Shohei Ohtani: Beyond the Dream

Ken

“Life doesn’t make dreams. Dreams make life” (from “Shohei Ohtani: Beyond the Dream” November 17, 2023 ESPN+ documentary about Shohei Ohtani [大谷 翔平], the Japanese professional, two-way baseball pitcher and batter). Ohtani’s outstanding performance at the 2023 World Baseball Classic and the Major League Baseball All-Star Games are only past events from his now famous “dream board.” World champion is his vision for the future as Ohtani #17 moves from the Los Angeles Angels to the Los Angeles Dodgers with an unprecedented 10-year, $700 million contract, where he deferred accepting payment of $680 million until 2034, so the Dodgers would be free to recruit other players to help the team achieve the goal of becoming World Series champions. Christians are wise not to be led astray by a dream not from God. “If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make Myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream” (Numbers 12:6 KJV). If Shohei Ohtani can be motivated by his love of baseball and dream of MLB championships, why can’t disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ dream of bringing life to a world of lost sinners in need of a Shepherd, because of our love for Jesus? “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33). LORD, You alone can grant me those dreams for Your Kingdom. And, You alone will fulfill them. Amen and amen.