On October 27, 2025, in Game 3 of the World Series, the Blue Jays’ relief pitcher, Brendon Little, did not expect to play. He performed poorly in his last outing, and he was losing the trust of the manager. However, the game went 18 innings (tied for most in World Series history), and he was called up as the last pitcher in the bullpen to pitch in the 17^th inning against Shohei Ohtani—one of the greatest players of all time.

In this same game, the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw, who was in his final season of his career, was called up in the 12^th inning to face just one batter. He threw eight pitches. That was it. Athletes often say that they must “stay locked in” even if they are not expected to play because they don’t know when they will be called upon to do their part for the team.

Likewise, the Bible calls God’s people to stay locked in. Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins in which He teaches us to always be prepared: “And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut” (Matt. 25:10, ESV).

Again, 1 Thessalonians 5:2 says that “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (unexpected), and that we ought to always stay locked in since we do not know when that day will come: “So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober” (5:6).

“Staying locked in,” for Christians, does not mean that we ought to constantly be worried about losing our salvation and live a life trapped in legalism. Rather, in the freedom that God has graciously given us, we can live in newness of life (Rom. 6), participating in the redemptive work of our King Jesus with urgency and profound purpose.

So, what does “staying locked in” look like for God’s people? In Ezekiel 20:1-32, the prophet reviews the history of God’s grace in stunning contrast to the sins of God’s people. The appropriate response to Israel’s continued rebellion would be to cut them off from God’s favour and let them pay for their sins. However, God’s response in verse 33 is so unexpected that it is almost jarring: “As I live, declares the Lord GOD, surely with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out I will be king over you. I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you are scattered” (20:33-34).

Amidst holding Israel accountable for her sins, God is interjecting a radical promise of hope: “And you shall know that I am the LORD, when I deal with you for my name’s sake, not according to your evil ways, nor according to your corrupt deeds” (20:44).

Sometimes, our own sins and the brokenness of the world drown out the hope of heaven. If you’re discouraged by your own sin and disappointed with this world, you may become bitter against the world rather than viewing the mission field through the redemptive work of Jesus. When you find yourself in genuine heartbreak over all the pain, suffering, and brokenness, you need to learn to long for the Kingdom of God because God interjects bright hope in this utter darkness. Hope has come in the person of Jesus Christ. So, stay locked in by setting your gaze on God’s Kingdom, practicing the hope of heaven, and doing your part as you are called!