Obeying The Coach

Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife.

Matthew 1:24

Earl Weaver, former manager of the Baltimore Orioles, had a rule: no base stealing without a sign from him. The great Reggie Jackson decided to steal second without a sign from Weaver. Though Jackson was successful, Weaver took him aside after the game and explained two negative ways in which Jackson’s “successful” steal impacted the game. Jackson saw only his desire, while Weaver was watching the whole game.

Sometimes those in authority over us ask us to do things we don’t understand. Along with our children, we ask the “Why?” question as often as not. The maturing Christian learns that God explains reasons sometimes, but other times He does not (Deuteronomy 29:29). Knowing that God sees everything provides a solid foundation for our obedience.

Think about Joseph when he learned that his betrothed, Mary, was pregnant before their wedding. As practically hard and publicly humiliating as it might have been, Joseph obeyed God’s instructions to stay engaged to Mary.

When you’re tempted to steal away in your own direction, remember: God is watching the whole game.