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Joy in Victory
Okay, men, let’s be honest: the world today looks bleak.
From crime to inflation to wars to political upheaval worldwide, there is a lot of bad news out there.
But the truth is that since Genesis 3, there has always been a lot of bad news.
For example, put yourself in the shoes of the Israelites, God’s people, in the book of Esther. You are under Persian rule, you have no military strength, and there is a political plot to literally destroy your people.
Talk about feeling helpless. No joy. Just defeat.
But while you are stressing about this, God has one man, Mordecai, who is holding his ground for his people on the battlefield of politics.
Even in the face of violence, Mordecai does not cave on his faith or character.
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus makes an incredible statement: “[He] will build [His] Church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
Did you catch the two promises?
One: He will build His Church. The Church–God’s people.
Two: His enemy will not prevail.
Jesus could not only see the plan but also the opposition and the guaranteed victory over it for the next several thousand years.
And what happens in Mordecai’s story? The enemy’s plot is exposed, and the people of Israel are saved.
But more than that, the people moved from helplessness to joy as they created a new annual celebration (Purim) to remember how God had delivered them from their enemies.
Men, since its beginning, the Church has always had enemies (the gates of Hades) coming against it. But it is now that He calls us to be men like Mordecai and stand our ground on the battlefield He has us in.
Then, we can move from feelings of helplessness to joy as we experience His victory for His people.
A victory that began to be fulfilled two thousand years ago when the Christ child came to earth to save His Creation.
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, that the victory is Yours. Help me to stand my ground where You have me today so that I and others can know the joy You have for us. Amen.
Reflection: What battlefield does Jesus have you on today? What is one thing He is calling you to do to stand firm in Him?
Scripture
About this Plan
Traditionally, in the third week of Advent, we celebrate the “joy” of Christ’s arrival. Over the next week of these devotionals for men, we will examine the emotion of joy in several different biblical contexts. We pray that you will find joy in life's victories, but also in darkness, in times of emptiness, and in any uncertainty or pain, by God's grace. Written by Brad Klassen.
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