"YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND"
Most sports fans are well aware that Jackie Robinson was the first black to play major league
baseball. It is sad to know that it was not until 1947 that the “color barrier” was broken. While all
of this was taking place, Jackie Robinson was facing jeering crowds in every stadium in the
National League. While playing one day in his home park in Brooklyn, Jackie committed an
error. His own home town fans began to ridicule him. He stood at second base, humiliated, while
the fans jeered. Shortstop “Pee Wee” Reese came over and put his arm around Jackie Robinson
while standing next to him. They then faced the crowd in the stands. The fans grew quiet. Jackie
Robinson later said that Reese’s arm around his shoulder saved his career.
Isn’t that a great story? We’ve all been there, I suppose--standing in need of someone to face
our problems with us. And I also believe that we’ve all been there for that one who needed the
encouraging arm around his shoulder. In a sense, that is very much like what the Lord has done
for each of us. We were humiliated and ready to give up because of our sins. Jesus came to our
side and became our Deliverer and Friend. “Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I com-
mand you” (John 15:14). I hope we are as grateful to Him as we should be. Our eternal security rests on that Friend’s
encouragement and constant support even now. He does not leave us on the field of life, but goes
with us even through the storms and dark places. We need Him so much!
But, there are those who need us! Paul said, “Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any
trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest
thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). Those caught up in sin or weakness need us and we need one another. Our Father is depending
on us to provide the loving arm around the shoulder which says, “You can do it with the help of
Christ.” “I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13). Will you reach out to someone this very day? There is someone standing on second base--
needing a friend.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Most of us are spared the torment of genius.
Love ya,
Jesse
baseball. It is sad to know that it was not until 1947 that the “color barrier” was broken. While all
of this was taking place, Jackie Robinson was facing jeering crowds in every stadium in the
National League. While playing one day in his home park in Brooklyn, Jackie committed an
error. His own home town fans began to ridicule him. He stood at second base, humiliated, while
the fans jeered. Shortstop “Pee Wee” Reese came over and put his arm around Jackie Robinson
while standing next to him. They then faced the crowd in the stands. The fans grew quiet. Jackie
Robinson later said that Reese’s arm around his shoulder saved his career.
Isn’t that a great story? We’ve all been there, I suppose--standing in need of someone to face
our problems with us. And I also believe that we’ve all been there for that one who needed the
encouraging arm around his shoulder. In a sense, that is very much like what the Lord has done
for each of us. We were humiliated and ready to give up because of our sins. Jesus came to our
side and became our Deliverer and Friend. “Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I com-
mand you” (John 15:14). I hope we are as grateful to Him as we should be. Our eternal security rests on that Friend’s
encouragement and constant support even now. He does not leave us on the field of life, but goes
with us even through the storms and dark places. We need Him so much!
But, there are those who need us! Paul said, “Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any
trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest
thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). Those caught up in sin or weakness need us and we need one another. Our Father is depending
on us to provide the loving arm around the shoulder which says, “You can do it with the help of
Christ.” “I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13). Will you reach out to someone this very day? There is someone standing on second base--
needing a friend.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Most of us are spared the torment of genius.
Love ya,
Jesse
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