[RE]FOCUS Day 43
Week 7: Redeeming
Day 1: Palm Sunday
By Pastor Chris Troxel
READ:
John 12:16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.
Maybe victory is misunderstood. Victory happens after, right? That’s when the celebration begins, after the victory. Except with Jesus. Jesus does it differently. He celebrates before the victory. Here’s why we don’t do that: we don’t know who’s going to win until the contest/battle/war has been won by someone. Here’s why Jesus does it: He knows who’s going to win.
Jesus redeems our idea of victory. All too often we look for victory only from our efforts, strength, logic, and energy, or maybe some mix of us plus God. Jesus shifts that. He reminds His disciples of what they have been missing all along. With God, all things are possible. With Jesus, it is possible to celebrate with a victorious king before His battle. With Jesus, if we can celebrate victory now, we will certainly also celebrate at the end of all things. It’s not too early. Jesus has the victory. He gives it to you. Even with all the reasons to be weighed down, lift up your hearts. Lift up your heads. Lift up your hands. Jesus comes to bring you victory. Believe, rejoice.
Celebrate.
PRAY:
Jesus, You alone give us the victory. In Your redeeming victory and deep grace, You make a way for us to celebrate before the end. Finish the work You began us, as we celebrate here in time, and there with You at the end of all things. Amen.
LIVE:
What victory do you need to see today? How does Jesus’ victory over sin and death give you what you need right now?