A Victory That Never Expires
What a great victory all the 12s had this past Sunday as we watched and celebrated our Seahawks who received the Vince Lombardi trophy and now stand atop the football world for one unforgettable year. The victory was real (what a defense), loud (nobody’s louder than the 12s), and convincing (now we can lay to rest the ugly 2015 Super Bowl final play…we love you Marshawn)…but it was only a temporary win.
Championships fade, seasons end, and trophies eventually gather dust.
For followers of Christ, however, we live in a far greater and lasting victory. In Christ, our triumph does not expire with the calendar. God reminds us that we have already been “blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3), that we are “complete in Him” (Col. 2:10), and that “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3). Because we are born of God, we overcome the world, “and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4–5). Even in a hostile world, we can stand confident, for “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
Our greatest win was secured at the cross and confirmed by the empty tomb. There, Christ “canceled the certificate of debt…He disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him” (Col. 2:14–15). Because of this finished work, “thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57). God now “always leads us in triumph in Christ” (2 Cor. 2:14). Through “the blood of the Lamb” and the testimony of the gospel, believers overcome the enemy (Rev. 12:11). Therefore, we “overwhelmingly conquer,” and nothing, absolutely nothing "will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:37–39).
Even now, our “citizenship is in heaven,” and we await a coming glory that no loss, injury, or defeat can touch (Phil. 3:20–21). Sports victories can only thrill us for a season. Christ’s victory holds us for eternity. Therefore, “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).
I’m thinking we can repeat next year with all the talent we have and if we can stay healthy, and as thrilling as that would be, it will only be for one more year. We’ll see, but let’s not forget the greatest of all victories that keeps us winning!
Pastor Jeff
Foundational Faith Statement #20: Why must the Redeemer be truly God?
Because of His divine nature, His obedience and suffering would be perfect and effective; and He would be able to bear the righteous anger of God against sin and yet overcome death (Acts 2:24).