Standing in Devotion to One Another

Reese and RobinsonJackie Robinson was the first black man to play major league baseball. While breaking baseball’s racial barrier, he faced taunts and jeers from crowds in every stadium. During a particular game in his home stadium in Brooklyn, Robinson committed an error. His own fans immediately began to ridicule him without ceasing. There he stood at second base – humiliated; and feeling incredibly defeated.

Then something wonderful happened. Dodger shortstop Pee Wee Reese walked over and stood next to Jackie Robinson. He put his arm around him and faced the crowd – who suddenly grew quiet.

"Pee Wee kind of sensed the sort of hopeless, dead feeling in me and came over and stood beside me for a while," Robinson recalled. "He didn't say a word, but he looked over at the chaps who were yelling at me.. and just stared. He was standing by me. I will never forget it."

Statue commemorating this event

Christ is like that with us only on a much grander scale. He knew we were dead in our transgressions and he did the unthinkable to rescue us from a life, an eternity, of hopelessness and despair. He gave his very life for us – and to this day he stands by us as our enemy, the devil, seeks to steal, kill, and destroy us.

As followers of Christ, we are to be like him, to stand by our brothers and sisters in Christ in pure devotion – holding them up in love from the attacks of the enemy.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. – Romans 12:10 

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[PaceLAKEISHA]

freelance writer