Words of Life: An Enduring Legacyනියැදිය

Legacy: the end result is secure.

In 2020, Liverpool FC made English football history by winning the Premier League with seven games still to play. No other team could mathematically accumulate enough points to overtake them – Liverpool had secured the trophy. Yet the remaining matches still presented challenges. There were goals conceded, injuries, a draw, and two defeats. Skipping these fixtures wasn’t an option; they had to keep going, even though their victory was already assured and they were due to be crowned champions at the end of the season.

Yesterday’s reading about the challenges the disciples are about to face continues into John 16, where Jesus promises that they’ll be plunged into a world of more difficulties – uncertainty, grief, confusion, and doubt. But he also offers them a powerful assurance: although the world will bring trouble, they can take heart because he has overcome it. The ultimate outcome is secure. While today may bring grief, in the end it will turn to joy. The disciples don’t need to be merely resigned to the challenges of today, because Christ has already overcome the world. His followers can experience peace and confidence in the present.

When considering legacy, we sometimes wonder about the future of the Church. But if Christ’s victory – vindicated by his death and resurrection – is certain, we don’t need to be either pessimistic or optimistic. It’s plain fact that, one day, he will reign over all things completely. Our calling today is to roll up our sleeves and actively anticipate that day. There will be setbacks, and the enemy of our souls will still try to inflict damage, but we can move forward with confidence. Christ has already won – we live and work in the light of that truth.

What challenge might God be wanting to help you overcome today?