May 18-Defense
May 18: Defense
Scripture Lesson: Philippians 1:12-18
Today is the birthday of Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks
Robinson. During his 23-year career, all as a Baltimore Oriole, Robinson was
known for his tremendous defensive ability. He very well may be the greatest
defensive third baseman of all time. Teammate Frank Robinson said: “He was the
best defensive player at any position. I used to stand in the outfield like a
fan and watch him make every play. I used to think, ‘Wow, I can’t believe this!’”
Our Scripture lesson today provides an insight to Paul’s state of
mind when he wrote to the church at Philippi. Paul was a prisoner in Rome, and some
scholars believe he wrote this letter while chained to a Roman soldier, perhaps
under house arrest. His imprisonment helped other believers to be bold in their
proclaiming of the Gospel. In verse 16, Paul said he was in prison for the
“defense of the Gospel.” Paul was not only standing up for the Gospel, but
inspiring others to do the same. Sometimes, in the culture of baseball, it is
not easy to stand up for the Gospel. It is not easy to defend the Gospel by
living daily for Christ. But, every single Roman soldier in the guard detail
knew where Paul stood with God.
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Why is
it hard sometimes to defend the Gospel by living for Jesus?
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Does
your team know where you stand with Christ? Why or why not?
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What
does it take to be a Hall of Fame defender of the Gospel?
There was no better defender at third in baseball history than
Brooks Robinson and no better defender of the Gospel than the apostle Paul. May
we all be defensive wizards when it comes to the Gospel.
Posted on Wed, May 18, 2016
by David Daly