Grand Slam
Originally scheduled for September 13
Picture it: the bottom of the 10th inning, in the 2024 World
Series, first game. The Yankees scored in the top of the first
inning and the Dodgers are coming to the plate. The bases are
loaded; the score is 3 to 2 in favor of the Yankees. A single will
certainly tie the game and probably will win it. Up to the plate
steps Freddie Freeman. The Yankee pitcher is a starter pressed into
the relief role. The result?
On the first pitch, Freeman
takes a smooth, powerful swing at the ball and launches it into the
bleachers. For the first time in World Series history — more than
100 years — a World Series game ends with a walkoff grand slam
homerun. Now, if you scour the Internet for it, you can see a video
recording of this moment. Focus your attention, please, on the
reception Freddie got when he crossed home plate. Grown men, jumping
up and down, hugging him like four-year-olds. The traditional ice
water bath was not neglected. In short, a joyous reception.
We have an interesting parallel to this in the New Testament. You
will recall the Transfiguration, where Jesus appeared with Moses and
Elijah. As he comes down from the mountain, the crowds of disciples
see him coming and their reaction is this:
And straightway all
the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running
to him saluted him.
(Mark 9:15 KJV)
Notice the word and
highlights. I’ve chosen to quote this from the King James version
because the word is capable of being translated in a number of
different ways, ranging from “worship” to “salute.” We have
recounted the World Series tail to give you an idea of the emotional
side of the reaction that his disciples had in seeing him “glowing
in the dark.”
It’s interesting to compare the reaction the
ancient Israelites had to Moses being transfigured. Moses had to go
around with the veil over his face so as not to frighten or
intimidate his fellow Jews. You can imagine him passing through them
with that veil, mothers warning their children to watch out for
this. Christ is the exact opposite. His disciples take one look and
run towards him. Their reaction was not fear, but joy.
