National Championship

“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” - 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 NIV

Last night was the CFP National Championship college football game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Texas Christian Horned Frogs. 

At our house, Amy’s alma mater is Auburn and mine Southern Mississippi. So, there was not much “love” for either team. But we chose sides before it began…choosing Georgia over TCU (due mainly to the SEC allegiance).

After Georgia came out hungry and scored on their first 5 possessions, the victory was never in doubt. The Bulldogs handily defeating the Horned Frogs… pulling away in the 2nd quarter and never looking back.

And though we were happy for the former walk-on Georgia quarterback, we were a bit disappointed that the TCU Heisman runner up (who has a great story of his own ) didn’t have another miracle left in him to at least make the game competitive… didn’t have one more Cinderella story comeback to make it close.

You see, that’s a similar story of what it’s like to be a Believer. We’re not promised victory in every game or championship that we play. No matter how hard we work or how much success we’ve had in the past. We’re not promised that everything will turn up roses in every endeavor that we take on. We’re not promised that we will gain riches and wealth when we become followers of Christ.

No, in fact, we’re told quite the opposite. Told of the battles and struggles. The only victory that we are promised is the Victory found in Jesus. That is, victory over death, victory by the blood and the resurrection, victory over sin. Jesus has already won the final battle. We are already promised forgiveness and eternal life, if only we’ll trust and believe.

So on this cold East Tennessee morning, Amy will likely wear her “Auburn” sweatshirt all day and I’ve already put on my “Southern Miss” pullover, in silent support of our alma maters…

Knowing that True Victory is at hand. 

Let the celebration begin!

Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem