Living by grace
by Anne Hansen
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… just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 5:21).
Read Romans 5:12–21
The Lord’s team was playing Satan’s team in a baseball game. The Lord’s team was at bat, the score was zero to zero, and it was in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs. The coach and the Lord stood by, observing the game. As they watched, a batter, whose name was Love, stepped up to the plate.
Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because ‘love never fails’. The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because faith works with love. The next batter was named Godly Wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass … ball one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked, because Godly Wisdom never swings at what Satan throws.
The bases were loaded. The Lord then turned to the coach and told him he was now going to bring in his star player. Up to the plate stepped Grace. Coach said, ‘He sure doesn’t look like much.’ Satan’s whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch.
To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen. But Satan was not worried, as his centre fielder let very few get by. He went up for the ball, but it went right through his glove, hit him on the head and sent him crashing to the ground. Then it continued over the fence for a home run! The Lord’s team won.
The Lord then asked the coach if he knew why Love, Faith and Godly Wisdom could get on base but could not win the game. Coach answered that he didn’t know why. The Lord explained, ‘If your love, faith and wisdom had won the game, you would think you had done it by yourself. Love, faith and wisdom will get you on base, but only my grace can get you home.’ (Story by Kraig Pullam.)
Living by grace through Christ gets us home to our heavenly home.
Lord, your grace is the only way I can get to my heavenly home. Jesus has paved the way for my salvation through his love. Your grace is sufficient for me! Amen.
For 19 years, Anne has been the Lutheran Tract Mission Development Officer. She lives in Noosa with her husband, Mark (a pastor), has three grown children – Jonah, Christian and Emma – and is a proud new mother-in-law to Brooke. She enjoys walking, reading, gardening and playing pickleball.
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