Another "At-Bat"

Sure, a lot of people were watching the Presidential debate this week. But not everybody. There were quite a few folks watching men with caps swing a stick at a speeding white ball.

Even though it was the last day of the regular baseball season, there were still some decisive games being played. One of which gave my Yankees (hold the booing - I can't hear it) the division championship.

But in the midst of some of the cliffhanger baseball dramas being played out this week, there was another baseball story that captured my attention. About one guy's one time at-bat.

Seven years ago, in his first Major League at-bat, 24-year-old Adam Greenberg was struck in the head by a 92-mile-per-hour fastball. He was left with migraine-like symptoms and numerous other complications. End of a dream. Except somebody forgot to tell Adam it was over. He was determined to fight his way back - if only some team would give him a chance.

Filmmaker and fan, Matt Liston, launched a passionate, online petition - "One At-Bat" - to get Adam that chance. He called it "One At-Bat." On Tuesday night, Adam Greenberg stood at home plate in a Major League game - at bat again. The Florida Marlins had signed him to a one-game contract so he could swing again. He was greeted by a rousing standing ovation, even after striking out. Because Adam Greenberg is anything but "out." He's a winner.

Adam Greenberg's life was changed by one man who did whatever it took to give him another at-bat. Another chance.

So was mine. And millions of others.

Because I had struck out big time. God gave me my life. I hijacked it from Him and did what I wanted to do with it. Me defying the God who made a hundred billion galaxies, who decides if I take another breath. Ignoring Him. Marginalizing Him. Living my way instead of the way He created me to live.

I knew the Bible was talking about me when it said: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). And I had no chance of ever reaching "home."

Then the God of Second Chances went to bat for me. The very God I didn't care about sent His only Son to erase the sin that had left me "without hope and without God" (Ephesians 2:12). But the price for me to have a chance at heaven wasn't cheap. Jesus "loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood" (Revelation 1:5). Heaven's Prince chose to literally sacrifice His life to pay for my rebellion - nailed to a cross.

Then He did what no man has done before or since. He walked out of His grave under His own power. To give the life He purchased to millions. To me. To you. He did what it took to bring us all Home.

Jesus is the God of another chance...of a new beginning. He fights for you when others have counted you out. He offers restoration when others offer only condemnation. He refuses to give up on you even when you've given up on yourself. With His forgiving, life-giving power He gives "losers" and sinners, marriages and families a second chance.

Because Jesus is all about hope. And another at-bat.