Friday, July 3, 2009

July 3, 2009

"After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God." Acts 1:3
Since this is the Fourth of July weekend, I have to work in a baseball illustration because American is about baseball, apple pie and Chevrolet. Baseball is all we have left because Chevrolet is owned by the government and is about to go the way of the dinosaur and the trans fats in apple pie will soon be banned.
Thank God for baseball!
Here's a baseball trivia question. What is the highest fielding percentage for a middle infielder in Major League history (minimum of a 1,000 games played) and who was that infielder?
The best fielding percentage was .989, which means for every 100 balls that were hit to him he made the play 99 times. Or, if you're the negative type, he booted one ball in every one hundred plays.
Having played some infield myself, I know how good that is! But you know what?
It isn't perfect. But then what is?
THE BIBLE.
While a 98.9% fielding average might get you to Cooperstown (Baseball Hall of Fame) a 1% error rate doesn't work for the Word of God. He never makes an error and He has had to handle some hard hit balls!
One more defense against the attacks on the Bible's accuracy. One more fact for those who say God may have bobbled a grounder here or there.
Some have questioned: What about the conflicting accounts of Resurrection morning?
Think of four people you know. Any four. Put them on a street corner in your town and have them witness a fender bender at that intersection then ask them to describe it. You know you will get four different accounts of the same event. BUT, they will all agree on the significant parts - what color were the cars, what color was the light, who was at fault, etc. You will in fact, end up with a much more complete and accurate recounting of the events because of the four view points.
So it is with the seeming conflicts with the Resurrection accounts. All four Gospel writers recorded this crucial occurrence from a slightly different vantage point much like your four witnesses to the fender bender. But while there are nuances of details, there is complete agreement on all of the significant facts. There is in fact, no conflict.
Allow me to list the important points of agreement:
1) Jesus did die and was buried; 2) every disciple was devasted; 3) the disciples scattered in despair and fear of their own safety; 4) on the third day the women and the disciples found the huge stone removed from the tomb; 5) when the tomb was entered it was found to be empty; 6) angels appeared and announced the news of the Resurrection; 7) Jesus had, indeed, risen; 8) Jesus later appeared to His disciples; 9) all of His disciples eventually became absolutely convinced of His resurrection and proclaimed it to the world.
In a court of law, differing details within agreement of a main point for a defendant only serves to strengthen the case. That added validity and credibility goes a long way with the judge and jury.
God has a 1.000 career fielding percentage. His word is 100% error free! It can take all challenges. It can go deep in the hole, it can charge the slow roller, it can defend up the middle, it can chase down the looping pop-ups, it can handle the line drives, and it can turn the double play!
Don't doubt it! Depend on it!
By the way, the infielder with the all-time best fielding percentage - Ryne Sandberg! (Go, Cubbies)