We have all the heard the jokes about everybody getting a trophy. The one I usually see says, "Remember when we said, 'wait until the participation trophy kids grow up...welcome to 2020." Some people think it has made those kids feel entitled today. Other people say it gives a child a sense of belonging. My girls knew the difference in a participation trophy and the "real" trophy. They wanted to be on the winning team. My girls were taught to do their best, play fair, not cheat and not be a sore loser. Those were hard lessons learned because even as adults, we all want to be on the winning team.
There is only one guaranteed winning team in this world and that is to be on God's team! Everyone does get a participation gift! 1 John 5: 4, "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." When we invite Christ into our heart, declaring Him our Lord and Savior and repent from our sins, we are born again. 1 Corinthians 15: 57, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." We are winners already.
The battle of Armageddon is between Jesus and His people against Satan and his evil forces. Jesus joins the battle and it is also known as Jesus' second coming. Revelation 19: 11, "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war." Verse 14 goes on to tell us that armies were following Him. "And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses." On the other side, we are told in Revelation 19: 19, "And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army." Jesus Christ will not be defeated. Verse 20 tells us, "Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone."
When Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected He won the battle. God's Word says, the battle has been won. John 16: 33, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
If you have not joined the winning team yet, thankfully, our Heavenly Father believes in participation trophies. A participation trophy is an award that is not "earned" to many. Sometimes that trophy is earned by another person's blood, sweat and tears. That is how Jesus is. We do not deserve this gift. We cannot be good enough, ever, to receive this gift. It is a gift just because He loves us. Ephesians 2: 8, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."
As you may have noticed this battle has gone on since the beginning of time. This battle is not just about controlling our planet but it is a war trying to control our minds. Our thoughts. Satan and Jesus both want us and we are part of a spiritual war. I believe Satan has been using political powers in a mighty way. Jesus will not do this. We have free will to join whichever team we desire. But we are always on a team, we cannot sit on the fence or be "lukewarm." Revelation 3: 16, "So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." We are even told in Luke 11: 23, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters."
It is never too late to join a team. Who doesn't want to be on a winning team? Jesus invites you to make that choice today. I have stood where the battle of Armageddon will be fought and I wept just looking at the green valley. I know I will be on the winning team because I am already on it! 1 Corinthians 1: 18, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." We are not fighting for victory but from victory. For Jesus Christ has already defeated Satan.
In the name of Jesus, we have the Victory!
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