Winning Before the Game Has Even Begun

 Read Revelation 7:9-10

My high school was something of a baseball powerhouse in Indiana. We had a Hall of Fame coach and a program that started with our Little League system that ultimately led to 9 State Titles (and 2 “National” Titles!).  

I will never forget the talk coach gave us before our season began one year. Several player had been complaining that we were “wasting time” talking about things like how to properly wear our hats and uniforms, and the “right way” to take the field before a game. Coach called everyone together and said, “You’re part of LaPorte baseball now. A tradition that speaks of excellence. I will tell you there are teams that probably have more talent than us this year. But because we’re LaPorte, and they see you do things the LaPorte way, they’ll think they’ve lost before the game even starts.”

Looking around at our broken, divided world…it can be hard to see and believe that the kingdom of God is real or that Jesus will ever reign as the Lord promised.  But when I read the vision of John shared in Revelation 7:9-10…I realize we’ve already won.

Jesus is Lord. He is Lord, no matter your political affiliation. He is Lord, no matter the color of your skin. He is Lord, no matter your native tongue. People from every nation, tribe, people and language will stand before the throne and declare “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 

by Jim Caler