What Saved Jackie's Career?

Jackie Robinson was the first black to play major league baseball. While breaking baseball’s “color barrier,” he faced jeering crowds in every stadium. While playing one day in his home stadium in Brooklyn, he committed an error. His own fans began to ridicule him. He stood at second base, humiliated, while the fans jeered.

Then shortstop “Pee Wee” Reese came over and stood next to him. He put his arm around Jackie Robinson and faced the crowd. The fans grew quiet. Robinson later said that arm around his shoulder saved his career [Larry Wise].

We’ve all been there, I suppose—standing in need of someone to face our problems with us. And I’d also like to believe we’ve all been there for that one who needed the encouraging arm around the shoulder.

That is very much like what our Lord has done for each of us. We were humiliated and ready to give up, because of our sin. He came to our side and became our Deliverer and Friend. I hope we’re as grateful to Him as we should be. He did not leave us on the field of life, but goes with us, even through the storms and dark places. We need Him so much!

There are those who need us! Paul said, “Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you, too, be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2). Those caught in sins or weaknesses need us, and we need one another. Will you reach out to someone today? There is someone standing on second base, needing a friend.

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