For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

For two weeks now we've been hearing how Umpire Jim Joyce cost pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game.

We've heard how he missed a call and called a runner, "safe," rather than "out."

We've heard how he felt terrible when he realized his mistake.

We've heard how he showed the courage of his repentance and apologized to just about anybody and everybody who cares about baseball.

We've heard how the pitcher and his coach expressed admiration for the repentant umpire.

But always, always, what we've heard ends up with the fact that Umpire Jim Joyce stole a perfect game from a pitcher.

I think that's wrong.

As far as I can tell, everybody, and that everybody includes everybody on the opposing team . . . everybody says, Galarraga pitched a perfect game.

More important than the opinions of people, the videotape shows the runner was really and truly and absolutely out at first base.

This means Umpire Jim Joyce did not take away a perfect game. He may have taken away Galarraga's place in the record books, but that is all. The truth is the man pitched a perfect game.

It occurs to me the same thing is true about Jesus. There are all kinds of opinions out there and all kinds of self-appointed umpires who are sitting in judgment on Jesus. They criticize His life, His words, and His miracles.

Well, they can say what they want about Jesus, but I know Jesus lived a perfect life. He resisted Satan's temptations perfectly; He fulfilled the commandments perfectly, and when He breathed His last on the cross, He knew the job of our redemption had been completed -- and it had been done perfectly.

Now, because of Jesus' perfection, I am saved, and so are all who believe on the Christ as their perfect Redeemer, perfect Savior, perfect Friend and Brother.

And that's the truth, no matter what a whole world of bad-calling umpires might decree.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, when You walked this earth, many men made bad calls about You. Their descendants are still alive and well today. May I not be one of them. May I see the perfection of Your life and the perfection of Your sacrifice which saves me. May I see, be moved to faith, and be saved. This I ask in Your Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Proverbs 10-12    Acts 1

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