Our Prevailing God
Did you root for the Kansas City Chiefs or the San Fransico 49er’s in last Sunday’s Super Bowl game? If you rooted for the Chiefs, you may have been jumping for joy following the game? If you rooted for the 49er’s, you went to bed feeling sad and dejected. It feels much better when we identify with the winning team, right? It feels much better when “our team” wins. I like being on the winning team. I like seeing my favorite team win the big game. If it were up to me, I would choose the winning team every time.
Life seems like a game sometimes. But the consequences are much more profound than a win or lose. The stakes are much higher than a trophy, title, or popular acclaim. In the “game” of life, the results of winning or losing are nothing less than abundant, infinite, and eternal life with God. Or, an endless suffering existence without God. The stakes are nothing less than heaven or hell. But there are many days when I feel like I am losing the game. There are many days when I feel like the world is going to hell.
When evil prevails over good, I feel like we are losing the game. When a gunman opens fire in a church, I feel like we are losing the battle. When innocent bystanders are injured by gunfire in a crowd celebrating their team’s victory, I feel we are losing the game. When I pray and pray yet my pain persists, I feel I am losing the game. When loved ones pass, I feel I am losing. When I feel depressed and despairing about life, I feel I am losing the game. When injustices are everywhere, I feel we are losing the game.
Yet, we do not grieve as persons without hope. For we possess a secret. We know how the story ends according to the Book. What we see here and now in this world and in our lives is not the end. The story is still being written. The game is still being played. It may seem we are behind right now. We may be fumbling the ball, muffing punts, and throwing interceptions, but the game isn’t finished yet. In fact, we have a God who promises that His Kingdom will prevail! In the end, God wins and so will His people.
If you need encouragement, then join your friends at Grace Church this coming Sunday morning, February 18. Together we’ll consider Jesus’ trial before the Jewish “Supreme Court” and how things went terribly wrong – or so it seemed. My message, “Night Court,” will reveal three key scenes to this story, including the hope we all need. Traditional worship begins at 9:00 AM. Contemporary worship begins at 10:45 AM. A Nursery is provided. Refreshments are served. Newcomers are expected. The Holy Spirit will be present!