Playing Ball!

Playing ball (playing catch or baseball) with others is a great way to pass some time. Enjoying the game can be appreciated as a thing of leisure. However, playing ball can have its serious side. The expression “play ball” is an Americanism meaning to begin the game of baseball, but has also taken on the general meaning of being an invitation to join in and COOPERATE with others. However, when someone is described as playing “hardball” it is indicative of one who has become aggressive in trying to achieve their aim.

To “play ball” with God we must consider His aims and rules. As He invites us to join in we must do so with a willingness to COOPERATE with Him and then with each other. God’s Will is going to prevail ( Proverbs 19:21) regardless of what we do and if we refuse to COOPERATE we will only find ourselves in a position of playing “hardball” against Him.

In an oracle of God concerning Jerusalem during the time of Isaiah, we find a severe warning directed at a steward named Shebna. ( Isaiah 22:15) It appears Shebna received this sharp rebuke after developing a sense of pride with regard to himself. ( Isaiah 22:16)

We read…
“(17) Behold, THE LORD WILL HURL YOU AWAY VIOLENTLY, O you strong man. He will seize firm hold on you (18) and WHIRL YOU AROUND AND AROUND, AND THROW YOU LIKE A BALL INTO A WIDE LAND. There you shall die, and there shall be your glorious chariots, you shame of your master’s house.” ( Isaiah 22:17-18 ESV)

Could we call that “hardball”? As the Scriptures warn, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” ( Proverbs 16:18 ESV) Shebna had apparently created a tomb to establish his honor even after his death. However, he would be hurled out “like a ball” into another land.

We must remember we are not in the game of life alone. When we step out on our own we cease being a team player and place ourselves in a position to be thrown from the game! Are we continually striving to live under the “coaching” of God, COOPERATING with Him every step of the way? Don’t let pride and self-will get in the way. It is only through following God’s game plan that we can be assured of rounding the bases and getting safely home.

Have a great day REMAINING IN THE GAME WITH GOD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Cooperation