Jackie Robinson, the first black man to play professional major league baseball in America, has become an international sports icon. He is recognized as one of the all-time best to ever play America’s favorite sport. He was not always held in such high regard. His career almost ended the same year it started. Jackie broke into major league baseball during a time of racial prejudice, strife, and violence. He was a black man entering a white man’s world. Fans, umpires, opposing players, and sometimes even his own teammates went out of their way to let him know he did not belong in their league.
The lowest moment came during a game in his home stadium in Brooklyn, New York. Jackie was playing second base. He missed a routine grounder. Made an error. All great ball players make errors. It is part of the game. But this was a black man making an error in front of 40,000 white fans. He had been harassed in every city his team played in. But this was his home crowd that was booing and ridiculing him. They shouted all manner of racial insults. Humiliated, Jackie lowered his head and stood on second base for what seemed like an eternity as the vicious fans continued to voice their disapproval. He wanted to quit.
As the crowd continued to jeer, Peewee Reese, the white shortstop, walked across the infield and stood next to Jackie. With his arm around Jackie’s shoulder, Peewee stood facing the crowd. The longer this white man stood shoulder to shoulder with the black man, the quieter the crowd got until there was a deafening silence. Jackie later said Peewee’s demonstration of friendship saved his career.
It is amazing what a well-timed hug or word of encouragement can accomplish.
Consider David and his best friend, Jonathan. David had lost it all. He was running for his life, living in a desert, sleeping in a cave. His dream of greatness had turned into a nightmare. A few years ago, 10,000 Israelites were singing songs about David in the streets. Now, he was on the Ten Most Wanted list at the Jerusalem post office. On top of all this, he was having major in-law problems. (Saul tried to murder him!) When David was at his lowest moment, about to lose all hope, his best friend, his own version of Peewee Reese, came through with well-timed arm around the shoulder and a word of encouragement.
Here’s how the Bible describes the scene: Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. (1 Samuel 23:16)
Real friends strengthen our walk with God when we are about to fall and give up. There are many today who, like David, have lost it all and need a friend to stand with them. There are many who are having serious financial problems, in-law problems, marriage problems, temptation problems. They are weak and need someone to help them find strength in God.
David’s son, Solomon, often wrote about friendship. Perhaps his insight into real friendship was inspired by the stories he heard from his dad’s best friend, Jonathan.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)
In his darkest hour, David did not have many companions, but he did have one friend who proved to be even closer than his seven brothers.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)
During adversity, our real friends rally around us. Jackie Robinson had Peewee Reese. David had Jonathan. What about you? Do you have real friends or mere acquaintances? Do you have the kind of friends who stick closer than relatives?
Right now, someone around you is experiencing a life and death crisis. Someone needs your arm around their shoulder. Will you BE that friend that sticks closer than a brother? Will you be that brother born for adversity?
