Celebrating 'we win' certainty
Here in the northeastern-most enclave of “Seahawk Nation,” I take a risk in revealing that I grew up in Montana as an avid 49er fan. Especially when they drafted Joe Montana out of college, I knew that was a marriage made in heaven. Sure enough, the ’80s were the glory years, led by “Joe Cool.” I hate to also confess that I used to almost literally “live and die” with each 49er win or loss, and almost passed on God’s call to overseas mission’s work, because I would not be able to follow my beloved Niners. Fortunately, I was able to overcome that nonsense, and made the right choice. I’m still not proud that I once had such misplaced priorities, but I can still relate when I see others experiencing the same intense level of team “ownership” I once had.
And so it was with mixed feelings that I accepted an invitation to the “God-Dogs” (former youth group members) household of all “rabid” Seahawks fans for last Monday night’s game between the undefeated 49ers and Seahawks. I hadn’t even watched a 49er game for several years, but I couldn’t resist playing the role of the lone “49er fan” surrounded by so many “12th man” Seahawks. I had even begun to have some appreciation for the Russell Wilson-led Hawks in recent years, as my love for the Niners waned.
What I experienced in the very emotional, up-and-down classic battle, which the Seahawks ended up winning at the end of overtime, was personally enlightening and “revelatory” in connection with my preparation for this Sunday’s message entitled “Jude’s Revelation.” As the concluding message in a “Fulfilling Faith” series we have been sharing in our church, I have been preparing to share the connection between Jude’s exhortation to “contend for the faith … building yourselves up in your most holy faith … and keeping yourselves in God’s love,” in order to experience the promises and rewards of overcoming victory that the Spirit revealed to John in the Book of Revelation.
What struck me as never before was how the intensity of the united, cathartic emotion and team “ownership” displayed in that house that night, can and should be true of our connection and “team ownership” as Christians. Through our faith in Christ, we are automatically “team members” in His Kingdom work together, and “co-heirs” with Him in His victory. However, what is different, is there is no uncertainty concerning the outcome. We don’t have to “live and die” over the possibility of losing. The battle is the Lord’s, and the victory has already been guaranteed. All we have to do is make sure we are faithful “team members” to the very end, and we celebrate victory together with Him and the rest of the “team.”
The overall message of Revelation in two words is “we win.” Not just “God wins” or “Jesus wins” or “you win” or “I win,” but “we win” — when we are members of His team. So won’t you join me on God’s team, with quarterback Jesus Christ, and let’s all celebrate together the certainty of “we win”. … and “Go God-Dogs.”
Pastor Jon L. Pomeroy can be reached at Sandpoint Church of God, 221 S. Division Ave., Sandpoint; by calling 208-263-6629; or by email at info@sandpointchurchofGod.org.