January 18-Designated Hitter

Scripture Lesson: 1 John 2:1-2

On this date in 1973, Orlando Cepeda signed with the Boston Red Sox. Cepeda, the former Giants, Cardinals, and Braves great, was the first person signed by a team to be specifically a designated hitter. Cepeda responded by hitting .289 with 20 HRs and 86 RBIs for Boston as their DH.

The greatest of all designated hitters is not found on a baseball diamond. The greatest DH of all time is found in our Scripture verses today, from 1 John. John reminds us that we have an advocate in heaven, Jesus Christ. Jesus batted for us through his atoning sacrifice for not only our sins and mistakes, but the sins and mistakes of the whole world. We did not have to step up to the plate and face the consequences for our sin, because Jesus stepped to the plate for us and took our sins upon Himself. Isn’t it reassuring today that we have a Savior who not only died for us, but is actively defending us to our Heavenly Father? Just like the DH in baseball, who usually bats in the place of a weak-hitting pitcher, Jesus took everyone’s place, so none of us have to face the consequence for our sin. That, my friends, is a pretty good definition of LOVE.

1. Thank Jesus right now for being our spiritual DH.

2. How can Jesus be described as a defense attorney?

3. Is there someone in your circle of friends and family that needs to be told about the greatest of all designated hitters?

Orlando Cepeda was the first player signed to be specifically a DH. May we live our lives this day in honor of Jesus Christ our spiritual DH!