2013/03/12 – Devotional
The Power of Reconciliation Through Christ
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24
Keith Hernandez was one of baseball’s top players. He is a lifetime 300 hitter who has won numerous Golden Glove awards for excellence in fielding. He’s won a batting championship for having the highest average, the Most Valuable Player award in his league, and even the World Series.
Yet with all his accomplishments, he has missed out on something crucially important to him—his father’s acceptance and recognition that what he has accomplished is valuable. One day Keith asked his father, “Dad, I have a lifetime 300 batting average. What more do you want?
His father replied, “But someday you’re going to look back and say, “I could have done more.”
There’s very little that can emotionally damage a man or a woman more than a wounding statement like this from a parent. Yet the sad truth is that all too often, parents make these kinds of comments without ever even realizing their ramifications.
But in Christ, it’s never too late for reconciliation. Maybe you’ve been wronged by a family member. Or, maybe you’ve wronged someone else. Whatever it is, God’s desire is that you would live in peace with all people by sincerely humbling yourself and finding reconciliation through Him.
Prayer Challenge
Pray and ask God to show you where reconciliation with a friend or family member is needed in your life.
Questions for Thought
Who are some people in your life today with whom you need to be reconciled?
What are some tangible steps you can take to love those who’ve wronged you and begin the process of reconciliation?
From, Senior Living Ministries.
I’m glad I got up and made the time to read this instead of putting it off, Mike! There are some very good points here that are applicable to my life, and this definitely makes me think. Thank you.
Love,
Missy
I never knew that story about Hernandez. He’s a borderline Hall of Famer. It reminds me of what Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith said, “Good isn’t good enough when you can be great.” It’s incomprehensible to think he could’ve been better on defense, he’s arguably the best defensive 1st baseman of all time. His biggest fault was that he didn’t hit for much power, especially for a 1st baseman. He did, however, do an excellent job of getting on base, which is more important. He actually has more career walks than strikeouts. You rarely see that anymore.
I don’t know anything about his father. Maybe he was right, or maybe he was just a bad father who never treated his son right. If that’s the case, I can’t imagine how difficult that must’ve been for Hernandez.
I pray that Hernandez realizes that he has a Father in heaven who loves him and is proud of him no matter what. Through God, reconcilliation is possible. He can succeed where men fail..
I don’t know anything about Keith’s father, but he reminds me of something Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith said,”Good isn’t good enough when you can be great.” Keith was excellent defensively and did a great job of getting on base. He even has more career walks than strike outs, which is something you rarely see anymore. The one thing he lacked is power, especially for a first baseman. It is well known, however, that Keith lacked hustle sometimes and struggled with drug abuse. Had he said no to drugs and gave 100% everyday, it’s conceivable that he would have had a surefire Hall of Fame career.
Maybe his father meant what he said, or maybe he was the emotionally distant type that was hard to please and didn’t put much effort into parenting. I don’t know. However, I do know that Keith has a Father in heaven who forgives him, is proud of him, and loves him no matter what. I pray that he realized this someday. Through God, all things are possible, reconcilliations included.
I really liked this devotional grandpa. After I read this, I thought of a handful of people who have don’t wrong to me and a handful of people I’ve done wrong to but I know God will always be here for me. Thank you for sharing.
Love,
Amanda
Some people in this world will never be satisfied. Keith’s dad either has issue’s or he was just joking. Just making it to the MLB is more then most could ever do. I try not to ever hold grudges toward anyone. I tell my family to do the same.
Mike Jr.