“He’s just tied his personal best of striking out thirteen, and if that’s not enough, he went 3 for 5 with a double and 1 RBI!” The radio announcer was breathless as he recounted the performance of this professional baseball player. When most baseball players begin playing at a young age, if they are pitchers, they are expected to bat. However, if they are fortunate to play collegiate or professional baseball, most pitchers do not take a place in the batting lineup. All of their efforts are expected to be focused upon their pitching and thus, most pitchers are poor hitters. If they are in the batting lineup, they may attempt to bunt or half-heartedly swing at a pitch. Recognizing this, many years ago, major league baseball created the designated hitter. This was a player who could be inserted into the batting order to bat for another player, most commonly the pitcher. The designated hitter is purely an offensive weapon and does not play a position in the field. 

Shohei Ohtani, a celebrated pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, is a remarkable exception. He is a formidable pitcher, one of the best in the major league. Whenever he pitches, Ohtani takes his place in the batting lineup and does not need to be replaced by a designated hitter. Why? He is also a feared offensive weapon! He can do it all. Shohei Ohtani is a unicorn, able to do what few have ever done in professional baseball. He rightly deserves to be honored for his accomplishments. If you have not had the pleasure to see this amazing player, here are highlights from the game referenced at the beginning of this blog. 

Source: YouTube

The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain”, and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.” 

1 Timothy 5:17-18 (CSB)

Like a baseball team, the local church has many positions. There are those who preach, teach, manage, and counsel others, just to name a few. There are very few who can perform all of these roles with expertise and efficiency. For these special individuals, God recognizes their special gifts that He has bestowed upon them. 

A church elder is a leader, one who is a mature Christian, tested and vetted by the entire congregation and the pastoral staff. There are many roles an elder is expected to fill and if the elder is also able to preach and teach, he is doubly honored. What a rare blessing and accomplishment!

I have been privileged to work with elders who have been blessed with more than one gift. Like Ohtani, they are rare and gifted individuals and I am in awe when I am in the presence of these great saints. 

Praise God for the elders and leaders who faithfully serve the Church, the Body of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen!

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.

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