Rest in the Wrestleნიმუში

DAY 7: THE PROMISE

We win in the end. If you’ve worked up the courage and mustered up the intestinal fortitude to finally read the book of Revelation, you know it’s worth it. In my opinion, it’s a Vince Lombardi, Rocky Balboa, William Wallace speech illustration on steroids and rolled into one book, with Jesus as the Star of the show. He gives John the Revelator a vision and 7 messages to 7 churches. He rebukes, condemns, instructs, and empowers all before the grand finale. You know the story, He rides in on a white horse, slaying the dragon and saving the world. In a nutshell, this account provides blessed assurance that our ultimate destiny is a favorable eternal outcome. Temporary things of this world, whether exhilarating or exhausting, will eventually wither and decay. Unfortunately, if allowed to materialize (see what I did there?), they can either be the object of my idolatry or the devouring drain that consumes my joy and peace. Thankfully, I can choose a more permanent source of rest. I can settle in the comfort of knowing I’m on the right team. I can rest in the certainty of a victorious ending.

When I know the outcome of a game in which my favorite team is competing, I am much more at peace watching the previously recorded playback. When they face adversity or make a costly error, I rest assured that they win in the end. This is the one spoiler alert I can accept. Similarly, my life is a game film of countless errors, mistakes, failures, and sins. Apart from following Christ and being convinced of my sealed eternity in Heaven, I would be a restless vessel of anxiety and torment, destined for spiritual demise. We must never take for granted the glorious gift of grace. Sin separates us from our Heavenly Father, but Jesus lovingly and sacrificially made a way for repentance and redemption available to all who follow Him. Although amazing news and the pinnacle of our faith, don’t misunderstand this as a permission slip.

The gift of salvation by grace through faith, although glorious and magnificent, is not a license to walk this earth by our standards. It’s not a fire insurance policy that allows us to walk around in the woods with a blowtorch. This Christian life is not freedom TO sin, it’s freedom FROM sin. The championship team is held to a higher standard. There is an expectation of those who carry THE Trophy. Our trophy is a relationship with Jesus and a place in paradise for eternity. This privilege is not something to take lightly. You have heard the expression “with great power comes great responsibility."

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8). While Jesus never demanded perfection, He expects humble, servant hearts who desire and pursue righteousness. Forgiveness is available to those who understand repentance and strive for obedience. We are sinners in need of a Savior. We aren’t saved daily, but we are constantly being sanctified, more and more, into the image and character of Christ. We can stand firm as followers of Christ, tempted and challenged daily, knowing our fate is sealed and God has prepared a room for us in eternity.

REST AREA:

• Write 3 names of people in your sphere of connection who don't know Jesus and find a way to talk about your faith with them.