Being a New York baseball fan-sorry Ken, the National League, not the Yankees, there are three events that are remembered by all National League fans. 1951-the shot heard around the world. 1969-the Amazins. 1986-game six. In each one, a team not supposed to win, came through and pulled out the victory. Coming from behind, when all but the most die hard believers had left them. And the celebrations that followed are legendary.
Bobby Thompson hitting the home run off cross town rivals the Dodgers in 1951, the shot heard around the world, sending the Giants to the World Series. How many times have we heard "the Giants win the pennant, the Giants win the pennant," and can see Bobby crossing home plate, and being mobbed by his team mates. If there is a better picture of celebration, I need to see it. Note-Willie Mays was on deck.
In 1969 the Mets, who never even had a winning season, were 100-1 odds to win the World Series. " Ya gotta believe," the signs said. The team that in 1962 brought National League baseball back to New York to its starved fans, filling a void the Dodgers and Giants left when they moved west. But on that fall afternoon at Shea Stadium, they beat the Orioles, felt to be the best team in baseball, four games to one. Coming from behind, Donn Clendenon hit the home run to put them ahead. And who can forget Cleon Jones getting hit on the foot, and the ball just happening to land in Gil Hodges' lap. Not one, but two great Tommie Agee catches, and a third by Ron Swoboda. And finally the stadium erupting after Cleon catches the final out. Can't say it was better than 1951, I wasn't even a rookie yet. That afternoon, Just and Abner were watching with me, and Abner raised an old Civil War bayonet, into the ceiling, while Just and I just screamed. And the only reason we went to school the next day was to celebrate with others. Never before had the baseball world been so electrified. And almost too much for us Met fans to handle. And Neil Armstrong thought he had taken a giant leap that summer!
Game six, the Mets down, two out, ex -Met Calvin Schiraldi pitching for the Red Sox, another team who hadn't won a World Series since 1918. The Mets-Baseball the Way it Oughta Be, the best team in baseball that year. My friend Kevin Mitchell started it with a hit, and then Carter followed. Then Ray Knight, and the fans were yelling "Let's Go Mets!" And then Mookie hits the weak grounder to Bill Buckner, All Star, who lets it go through his legs, and two runs score, and the Mets win! Tying the Series, one out from losing the Series, all sadness changed to inexpressible joy, comparable to winning it all. And to Christopher, will never forget it, as I jumped off the chair when Buckner booted the ball, and exploded in celebration. Unbelievable, and as Vin Scully said, "If one picture is worth a thousand words..." No words-just exhilaration. And in all instances, those of us who watched and celebrated, remembered where we were and what we were doing. Precious victories that we like to remember.
Heavenly victories are even bigger celebrations, great here, but we will have to wait to get there to complete them. The Bible tells us that when a soul comes to Christ, and is saved from hell, that all the angels in heaven rejoice. Now that's a party, and it's about you! But more important, it is about Jesus, who is the Savior who rescued you from death. And the story of how you got saved is your testimony. And each one is precious, personal, and intimate-and unique to you. No two alike, our relationship with God is that individual. And that is why I like hearing testimonies, they get me excited. And remind me that God is still changing lives! You see, of all the victories you will ever win, only salvation is one that you can fully celebrate. There is no next season for you like in baseball-none of the above teams repeated, and each victory had its own season-as they had to prepare for the next one. Not so with Jesus. No matter the circumstances of today, we are saved, and should live like it. No party for the Mets was ever like the one for you when you got saved. Bigger and better than any ticker tape parade down Park Avenue, and Jesus still rejoices about you.
Do you still rejoice about Him? Does your life celebrate what He did on the cross? Talk about a victory. Down to near death, between two thieves, the sun darkened as His life slipped from Him. And the devil and his evil angels began to celebrate. But not even death could hold Him in a grave, and He rose again, just like we will do someday. Resurrected! Would make a great story-but it's true!
No matter what your problem situation today, Jesus can save you. It's your choice. His record is perfect for those who seek Him. What's your choice?
Hope to see you at the party. Some victories are so big they take forever to celebrate. Jesus Christ-the only game in town! Ya gotta believe!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com