The War Is Won! (1 Corinthians 15:20-28)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

Adam’s choice in the Garden of Eden brought sin into the world—the sin of pride, of wanting to not just be like God, but to be God.

And Adam’s sin infiltrated the hearts and souls of all of his descendents. We are all sinful. Or as Paul wrote in another of his epistles: “All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory” (Romans 3:23).

We can in no way solve the problem of sin—on our own, that is. But there is One far greater than any sin we could possibly commit. There is One through whom we can “all be made alive.”

Sometimes it seems like the enemy is winning. Sin is rampant. Corruption prevails. Perversion triumphs. Satan is licking his chops in glee as he sees the downward spiral of this earth.

Ah, but we know the end of the story. We know that Jesus “has put all His enemies under His feet … He has put all things in subjection under His feet.”

Yes, through one man sin entered the world. But through the Son of Man, the “last enemy that will be abolished is death.”  Right will overcome wrong. Life will vanquish death.

And those of us who have chosen to follow Christ will spend eternity with our God—Father, Son, and Spirit. Everything else will fall away.

So I say, “Lord Jesus, come quickly!”

Spiritual Health (Ephesians 1:20-23)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 1:20-23

Today’s verses remind us that Jesus is—without doubt—alive and well!

Jesus is “seated … at [the Father’s] right hand in the heavenly places …” And one day, those of us who follow Christ will join Him in those heavenly places. Whether it’s through the end of our earthly lives or when Jesus returns to bring us into the very presence of God, we will spend eternity in worship and service to God—Father, Son, and Spirit.

Jesus is “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion …” I don’t know about you, but there are days when it seems like “power and dominion” of this earth are winning. And yes, sometimes they’re winning the battles. This world continues to decline—more perversion, more corruption, more pain, more suffering. It can make me want to throw up my hands and cry out, “Jesus, take me now!” But we can be confident that even though some battles may be lost, our Lord and Savior has already won the war! (See John 16:33.)

Jesus is the “head over all things to the church …” We who follow Christ are part of the church, His very body. And I have to ask: Is this “body” healthy? Are we daily communing with our “Head”? Are we striving to know Him better through study and meditation of the word of God? Are we spending time with other members of the body, strengthening and challenging each other?

Jesus is definitely alive and well, and He’s ready and willing to work in the lives of those who choose to follow Him. Let’s praise Him for what He’s done for us, let’s follow the will of the Father, and let’s strive to be healthy members of Christ’s body.

Peace and Courage (John 16:25-33)

Today's scripture: John 16:25-33

Ahhh ... John 16:33 ... one of the most encouraging verses in the Bible. Jesus had been speaking to His disciples of so many things as they sat together in the upper room. He commanded them to love each other. He stated outright they'd be persecuted. He warned them of His own death. He didn't pull any punches.

Yet, as He wound up this time of sharing His heart, He gave them these last words that I imagine filled their hearts with hope. The Contemporary English Version renders these words:

I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.

Jesus wanted His disciples—both those He was with that night and those who serve Him today—to live in peace, with an all-surpassing peace (Philippians 4:7, NKJV). He wanted them—and us—to know that, even though we would suffer and face tribulations, we could know peace.

Some might read this verse and say, "How can we have peace if we suffer?" I have two responses.

First, when we serve God, fully and completely, and when we trust His will, we live with the confidence that He "causes all things to work together for good" (Romans 8:28). He uses even the most painful moments of our lives for His purpose and our growth. We are not alone in our pain. We can have peace knowing that He is in loving control.

Second, we know the end of the story! Jesus has already overcome the world! Sin has already been defeated! Eternity is already within our grasp. This world and its pain and suffering is temporary; our pain-free, tear-free lives are eternal.

We can have peace and courage when we follow Christ. We can cling to His promises of salvation and eternal life because we know He loves us. More than we can possibly understand.