But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12)
Recently one of my Links friends and I played in a Senior 4 Ball event in Sumter, SC, and while there, I had a visit with a friend and former NY Yankee great. For most reading this devotional, you may have just asked, “Where in the world is Sumter, SC?”
When you google it, add the name Bobby Richardson to the search, and if you like history and baseball, you will have plenty to read. He was a World Series MVP and teammate with Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, and Whitey Ford.
He showed us many interesting items, including photos, two bats with the name “Babe Ruth” on one and “Lou Gehrig” on the other, and a baseball signed by Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, and Lou Gehrig.
An official MLB baseball costs about $25 today, up from $10 just a few years ago. However, the value of a baseball is minuscule compared to the value when a “Legend” has his signature on it.
A rookie Mickey Mantle baseball card sold for $12.6 million at an auction. A card made out of paper! In contrast, I had a card worth 5 cents, but because I signed it, the value went down to 3 cents!
Do you see how the value increases when the right person puts their imprint or signature on it?
You have worth as a person; you have value; you were created in the image of a Holy God. The creator of the universe thought you and I were of such value; he gave up his life to pay for our sin debt that we would never be able to pay by our efforts.
And when we turn to him in faith (also a gift from him) and believe and receive his gift of salvation found only in Jesus, our value increases beyond comprehension.
Not value to ourselves, but value to others as we partner with God in his Kingdom building process.
You and I become more valuable to people we play golf with and do life with as we walk in step with the Spirit of God, reflecting and sharing the love and grace of God.
For believers, one day, God will write a new name on our hearts according to Revelation 3:12. Until that day, let’s recognize our worth now, and because of what God has already done for us in the finished work of Christ, let’s be valuable to others.
Bobby Richardson was an MVP in baseball history, but he and his wife Betsy were also very valuable in Mickey Mantle’s life and many other Yankee greats. Click here to see Bobby Richardson speak at Mickey’s funeral. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJtRfrXHJsY
Questions:
What are some of your prized memorabilia?
What has increased in value?
How has your faith journey in Jesus moved you to share His love and grace with others?
If you aren’t feeling equipped enough to share, would you be willing to ask others who have been on this journey longer for help?
Prayer: Jesus, help me be valuable to others as I share your love and grace with my family, friends, and fellow golfers.