The Mercy Rule was developed for youth sports to prevent a competitive team from further humiliating a less talented group of athletes. This phrase is often used in baseball when a team is losing by 10 after 4 innings or 20 when the 3rd is completed. Essentially, this is like waving the white flag, throwing in the towel or surrendering to a far superior team. Thus, to save time and further embarrassment for the losing side, umpires invoke the mercy rule.
And David said to Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man, 2 Samuel 24:14.
This weekend I endured the worst inning ever as a player or coach. Although I once lost an opening day baseball game 31-19, at least my team fought back from a 20 run deficit. Unfortunately, this night to forget involved double digit walks, errors and mental mistakes, enhanced by a shrinking strike zone leading to a two hour and thirty minute 4 inning game. As I watched several self-inflicted blunders, I wanted someone to put me out of my misery.
For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy to all them that call on you, Psalm 86:5.
In 2014, the film Mercy Rule debuted starring Kirk Cameron. Using lessons from baseball, family and life, Cameron has produced a film which attempts to build character for those who endure helpless moments. Whether its coping with issues at work, struggling to watch a child’s less talented team or coming to grips with your own fatal flaws, there are always life lessons waiting to be revealed. When you’re pushed to the brink, unable to take anymore pain, God has a way of showing you mercy. In return, may you forgive and show mercy upon deserving and undeserving souls.
by Jay Mankus
