WORLD CUP FEVER

World Cup fever!  What’s is all about?

Some national team, from a little country somewhere, the butt of the world’s scorn, won a rugby match. This “illustrious” event, which is supposed to unite our nation, has also plunged us into controversy with disgruntled losers over the “flawed” refereeing that got us the victory. So, this win not only unites but also divides.

After all the hoo-hah of their win and the extravagant praise given to the Springboks from the president down… they will also retire and die. This glorious celebration, which has captured the imagination of the nation, will be forgotten tomorrow… when the realities of living in South Africa hit us again. Who will benefit from their victory in the end? Will the Bok’s fourth win in the RWC event change anything for the better in South Africa?

There is one event in world history that will never be forgotten. This indescribably successful achievement was conceived in eternity and will be celebrated throughout the ages… the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Has His death made a difference? A resounding “YES!”. Will it ever be forgotten?  No!  Every person who has ever lived and believed in Jesus will be with Him and will be like Him in His eternal kingdom forever because He died and rose again.

Philippians 2:9-11 NLT
[9] “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

All in heaven will celebrate that victory, people and angels forever and forever.

Revelation 5:6-14 NLT
[6] “Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the twenty-four elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the sevenfold Spirit of God that is sent out into every part of the earth. [7] He stepped forward and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. [8] And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. [9] And they sang a new song with these words: “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. [10] And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.” [11] Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. [12] And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered— to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing.” [13] And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: “Blessing and honour and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” [14] And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb.”

Let’s get real, brothers and sisters! We congratulate the Boks on their win now. Let’s continue to celebrate the Lord Jesus for His victory, now and forever.

PRAYER
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered— to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing.”

There is no higher praise that we can give to you, Lord Jesus, than to fall down at your feet and worship you, and to love you and honour you by our faithfulness and obedience to your commands.

Thank you, once again, for your great victory over sin and death. We shall live forever because you died and rose again, taking us with you into your eternal home. We shall praise you throughout all eternity for your love.