Jesus Wins
Ever feel like you just can’t do enough or be enough to make up for the deficit within this hurting world? I mean, you know it’s not all about you, but doggone, YOU are giving it all you got and you just need to know it matters. That what you’ve got is gonna make a difference to somebody…anybody.
This week, I am reminded (again) that it does.
This past weekend was Easter. And whether or not you hunted for eggs or for Jesus in that empty tomb, we are all reminded in these sacred days that the score has already been settled.
Every year, as this holiday approaches, I still find myself breathing out a sigh of relief…like I needed the reminder. A reminder of what the state of this world, and my soul, truly is.
I don’t know about you, but darkness has a nasty habit of fooling my heart into thinking it is the victor. I mean, darkness is everywhere, right? In the news, in the papers, all over the internet, even in my social media feeds. Darkness is loud and it boasts the myriad of ways this world is lost.
Yeah, I get it. Darkness is loud. Darkness is indeed making and leaving a mark. Scripture tells us that darkness will have its day. And it did.
Even as I type this, I am finding myself smiling. Smiling, not because of the reality of darkness that I know full well, but smiling because I know the end of the story.
Jesus wins.
When Jesus died on that cross, I am certain the earth shuttered with the darkness of that day. As the earth shook, the sky darkened, and the veil tore, all who were leaning forward into hope and great expectation felt the weight of devastation settle upon their very souls. To all who watched, to all who waited, all seemed lost indeed.
And as they scattered, as they gathered, as they wondered and waited, I am sure the hours in the day seemed endless and meaningless.
Some had given everything to follow Him. Some were giving it still. All of them wondered what was next. None of them could see how it all fit together or would ever make sense again.
Perhaps, as you look around and take an inventory of your own story of disappointments and struggle, you can relate. Perhaps you need the reminder, too…
Jesus wins!
Hell has no victory.
Darkness has no power.
Death has lost its sting.
HE IS ALIVE!!!
He conquered sin and death and declared hope over you and over me and countless faithful generations behind and before us.
He is victorious!
He is Father, Savior, Lord, and King!
He was and is and always will be the very Lover of our souls!
He has made a way where there seems to be no way!
He is light and where His light shines, darkness has to flee!
We are forgiven!
We are free!
We are HIS BELOVED BRIDE!
So yes, Beloved, you matter. Your light matters because He died to put it inside your very soul. That light and hope, joy and purpose was never meant to keep to yourself. This dark-fooled world needs the reminder…YOUR reminder.
He lives inside of you and He lives inside of me. By His power and His authority, you go on ahead and proclaim the TRUTH boldly. There are souls that are desperate to hear what you have to say.
Yes. Testify–unashamed, unfettered, undaunted–to the One who is calling. Testify to your family, your children, to the cashier at Wal-Mart, to your neighborhood, to the very darkness that presses in on all sides.
Darkness can only lie, cheat, and steal what you give it permission to abuse. Darkness is real and it is feral, but it can not compete with the strength and might of our KING!
“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:54b-58
Yeah, I need to be reminded from time to time of how the score card actually reads. As I am reminded, I can’t help but find myself smiling…and praising the King who is ALIVE!
The song I want to share with you this week is from Cory Voss, entitled, “Praise the King.” When I hear this song, I can imagine the Saints all around the world literally roaring with the testimony and reality of who He is and the victory that He has won.
With joy for the journey,
Sarah
