Here in the Bay Area, we’re blessed to have the two longest tenured general managers in the business. Brian Sabean has headed up the Giants since October 1996, and Billy Beane has steered the A’s for only a year shorter in duration. When you look at these two guys, you don’t just see two baseball minds, you really see an entire organization. When you’ve lead a team for over fifteen years, your touch is on every part of the team. Every major leaguer was acquired by that GM in some sense; whether they were drafted by, traded for, or signed by that GM. They’ve approved every acquisition and release of a player for over a decade, they can be personally held accountable for every part of the team. When you’ve been at it that long, you can see how a vision takes hold. The Giants are what Brian Sabean envisioned; a team lead by strong home grown starting pitching and backed with key roleplayers. The A’s are what Billy Beane envisioned; a balanced roster full of patient hitters and pitchers that play to the park and their defense. These guys have had their jobs so long because that vision is complete. Everything they have built is theirs, and it is good.

Colossians 1: 15-20

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Jesus is even more to us than these long tenured GM’s are to their teams. He is the representation of God, and the fulfillment of his promise. He was there at the beginning of creation, he was there when creation was redeemed, and he’ll be there to usher in the next age. Everything he’s done and is doing is part of a master plan which has its echoes throughout time and space. We’re not just individual people trying to complete arbitrary laws and missions; we’re a piece of the grandest design that could ever be conceived. Jesus has taken our fears, faults, failures, and freedom and crafted a role specifically for us specifically where we can shine. He will not put us in situations where we will fail without hope; he redeems our whole lives for his glory. We can see this plan in ourselves, and we can see this plan in those around us. Take strength in that fact today. Don’t feel isolated and don’t feel as if your journey is yours alone to bear. You’re part of a team that has been meticulously handled by the longest tenured savior in the business. You’re here for a reason. Serve your role with gladness and confidence; Jesus doesn’t lose.