It’s in the bag

Jesus answered them, ‘Do you believe now? The time is coming, and is already here, when all of you will be scattered, each of you to your own home, and I will be left all alone. But I am not really alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!’ (verses 31-33)

Read John 16:16-33

 The footballer spends hours pumping iron in the gym and improving his technique out on the field. One day, after all his hard work, he may win a finals medal.

 The swimmer gets down to the pool at 5.00am six or seven days a week, month in month out. One day, after all her hard work, she may win gold.

 The opera singer, day by day, works at her vocal and breathing exercises and goes over and over her musical score. One day, after all her hard work, she may sing at Covent Garden.

 You, the child of God, wage battle every single day against Satan, your own sinfulness, and the appeal of the world to dump God. One day, after all the hard work, it’s a sure thing that you will win a crown of life in heaven. It’s in the bag, because you belong to the one whose own glorious victory over sin and Satan assures you of victory too!

 Jesus, I’m eternally grateful for the assurance, through my baptism, of sharing in your victory. Amen.

by Grace Simpson, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)

Visit the Daily Devotion archives page.