Being a dad of athletes and playing sports myself, I have witnessed many mysteries and victories. Some are certainly expected and with others, everyone is in shock at how it happened.
“51Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.” – 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (ESV)
When Christ comes again, we will all be changed in a moment. There will be mystery and victory. The mystery is for those that have not accepted salvation through Christ. The victory for us as Christians.
The mystery is found in the sudden change that was realized in those around them. Those that are not followers of Christ will be left to their own, standing by themselves and wondering what happened and how they were not a part of it. What did they not do to not be included? They will remain the same, in large degree, oblivious and dumbfounded as to how, with all they did/have here on earth, could they not be included.
For the victory, we as Christians will realize the work and struggle we experienced living for Christ. We will be given the win that eluded us on earth. Christians will swept up in glorious victory over death. All of our obedience to God will result in our “championship” realization.
In college basketball, there is an end of season grand tournament. In this tournament, all invited have a chance to demonstrate their hard work. Every team, the haves and the have nots, play to determine the victor. On occasion, the underdog, takes the win as they continue working as hard as they have all season, while the favorite relaxes and takes the game for granted. In what seems to be a moment, the underdog rallies for the win realizing the work they put in day in and day out was for that victory.
Where are we in our daily walk, the favorite relaxing and taking it for granted or the underdog working for our ultimate prize? What struggle are you working through that are preparing you for that moment of victory? Are we preparing for the mystery that will be realized with our victory in that moment?
Trevor's Thoughts 