As the Colrado Avalanche defeated the Las Vegas Knights in overtime, the crowd began chanting "We want the Cup!"
A worthy goal but certainly one requiring great physical battle yet to come. Similar thoughts went through my head this morning as I read Joel 1 and 2, "Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of judgment of the Lord is coming" and "Blow the trumpet in Zion, set apart a fast, call a solemn assembly...let them say, 'Have pity and spare Your people, O Lord," As you know in the rest of the chapter, when all the people and priests cry out, God is moved with jelousy for His people and answers their prayer mightily.
Likewise, in Luke 2, Simeon said to Mary, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through you own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." To top off this thought, my reading in Psalm 2 talked about the kings of the earth casting off God's laws and mocking God. It is given as a warning to them, that God has set His King on the throne and He laughs at their foolishness of thinking they could overthrow God. But they will try.
The point is that there is a spiritual battle going on, and as we draw near to the end time, it will only intensify. Jesus is a sign that will be contradicted. Christians will need to be prepared to stand in the armor and provision Jesus has given to see the Lord overcome (in and through us). We will have to trust God when all else seems to be falling apart. Persection is real in the world, and more people are losing their lives for the Lord Jesus today than at any other time in history. However, nothing draws people closer together than laying down our lives to fight together and seeing God turn it all into victory. Isaiah 60 speaks of the world covered by darkness and the peoples by thick darkness, yet God's light and glory are seen upon His people. God's anointing and power will work in our lives beyond anything we have ever known, but it will be at a cost in the midst of a darkened world system that rebels against Him.
God is faithful. We will be led in triumph. Nothing can separate us from the love of God, no power of darkness can take us out of God's hand. These are more than sentimental verses, these are given as anchors of our soul which will keep us in faith and patience in the hard times. We can count it joy when we walk through various trials, knowing God is using it all for good. However, we do need to count the cost, to be prepared to fight the good fight of faith no matter what challenges lie ahead. To whom much is given, much is required. Through all trials God gives both the strength to endure and the way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).
The Stanley Cup is the highest trophy in hockey. We want the Cup, not the perishable one of the world, but the eternal crown of triumph uniting with the Lord Jesus over every power and attack of the devil and the fallen world. Because of the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross. God sets before us the ultimate Cup of knowing Him, knowing His mercy and glory forever. It is worth the price. Paul considered the suffering of this world nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed. The church in the Acts, in the midst of trials, grew in the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the fear of the Lord.
Walk in the comfort of the Holy Spirit and let the awesome awareness of His holiness in your life keep you from sin. Refuse to let go of the robe of righteousness and the garment of praise, no matter what the enemy is saying. My prayer is that God continue to prepare us for every good work ahead, and that we don't lose heart in the season of heat and pressure. The Lord bless you and keep you.
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