"Infield Theology"

“Infield Theology”

 

In the late 1980’s the Chicago Cubs’ infield included third-baseman Vance Law and first-baseman Mark Grace. I remember watching a game during which the play-by-play announcer said, “Law throws to Grace for the out at first.” I found this mildly amusing (given my theological bent) but it took me a while to see the biblical analogy it presented. (Maybe if baseball had been around in the first century the Apostle Paul would have used it long before yours truly.)

When Law fielded the ground ball in question he couldn’t complete the play without throwing to Grace. Similarly, the Old Testament law was unable to bring God’s purpose of restoring people to Himself to completion (“The law completed nothing”—Hebrews 7:19, literal translation)—grace was necessary to accomplish His plan. This grace was found and God’s plan was completed in Christ (“…What the law was powerless to do…God did by sending his own Son….”—Romans 8:3).

So in this baseball incident Grace did what Law couldn’t (making the out at first base), but Law was credited with an assist to make it possible. Likewise, the law gets credit for pointing to the need for grace to do what it was powerless to do by itself (“The law was our guardian and teacher to lead us until Christ came.”—Galatians 3:24, NLT). Thankfully, Jesus came to fulfill and complete the law (“I have not come to abolish [the Law or the Prophets] but to fulfill them.”—Matthew 5:17). Because He did, we as God’s people now live under His grace rather than the law (“…You are not under law, but under grace.”—Romans 6:14).

God’s truth can be seen in every area of life including the baseball diamond. As Jesus used the familiar surroundings of His day to teach His Father’s principles (e.g. in His parables) so can we. And in this way we can more effectively present God’s grace to those around us who need to experience it.

 

Blessings!

Jim McMillan