THE WINNING TEAM
The spray from the can discharged, blasting me in the face, followed by more bursts of fizz. My son’s pee-wee football team had won the championship. These fifth-grade boys were showering me with soda, just as the pros drench their coach with champagne. I willingly endured this ritual, because as sticky as the process was, nothing compares to being part of the winning team.
This Sunday as the San Francisco 49er’s and the Kansas City Chiefs square off in Super Bowl LIV, billions of dollars will be poured into the pigskin panorama. Millions of cheers and tears will arise across our land, as a new champion is crowned. A hero's welcome awaits the victors. Nothing compares to being part of the winning team.
The book of Revelation presents a perfect picture of the winning team. When we view this volume as a crystal ball, it’s easy to miss its victorious message: “Jesus won.” Even in the midst of his people’s brutal persecution on earth, Christ declares his victory through the resurrection. “I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave” (Revelation 1:18). When Jesus rose from the dead, he crushed the power of Satan, securing eternal victory.
Despite appearances, we know the end of the story—we know who won. The Bible’s last chapter reveals the “final score.” In Revelation 22:5 God assures Team Jesus, “They will reign forever and ever.” Here on earth, as we battle anxiety and fear, remember we already have the victory through Jesus. Right now, we’re in the “fourth quarter” waiting for the “clock to run out.” Satan is still trying to take a few of us “out of the game.” But don’t despair. Let’s hold our heads high and live in a place of victory.
Revelation 2:10 promises, “Remain faithful to death and I will give you the victor’s crown.” Every player on the winning Super bowl team receives a victor’s ring. It matters not if you’re the MVP or a bench-warmer. Because of Christ's victory, our “Super-Bowl ring” awaits us. As we’re weighed down with fear, as we face agonizing adversity, remember the outcome is already decided. Above all remember, nothing compares to being part of the winning team.
Principle: Nothing compares to being part of the winning team.
Ponder:
When I truly believe I’m on the winning team, how does this change my life?
In what specific areas I life do I need to engage Jesus as the All-Powerful Conqueror of death?
Promise:
“Remain faithful to death and I will give you the victor’s crown.” (Revelation 2:10)
Prayer: “Thank you for the victory I have in you, Jesus. In the midst of struggle, remind me that I’m on the winning team forever, and lift my head above my outward circumstances.”
Perception: Record any ideas God puts on your heart from today’s devotional: journaling, a testimony, poem, picture, movie quote, a memory, a person who exemplifies the truth of this article.