I am stuck by a word that John uses repeatedly as he encourages and admonishes the seven churches in Revelation: overcome. It’s a word embedded in seven promises of reward as he closes his letter to each church. The seven promises of reward reveal a facet of our God - He prizes and gives reward for perseverance, for pressing on through impossible odds and circumstances. He offers rewards of the highest worth for the ability to overcome, each one glinting as a golden medal prize. Among them: a crown of life, authority over nations, a new name, The Morning Star (Jesus Himself).
Think of a runner preparing for a marathon - the required hours of dedicated training and thoughtful preparation. We know in order to run the race and win the runner is called on to press on through rainy mornings, hunger, sickness, sore muscles and the desire to simply give up and rest. Who hasn’t been emotionally moved by seeing an athlete who has given a race their all, spending themselves beyond anything they ever dreamed they could bear, cross the finish line with elation, weeping tears of joy, grabbing a hold of loved ones in celebration?
Imagine then, if the runner was handed his prize at the beginning of the race before even setting foot on the course. The prize would be meaningless. It would have cost the runner nothing at all to gain. What need would there be to celebrate?
As believers we are called on to participate in the continual overcoming of the enemy, the world and our own weaknesses. We are called to train and prepare and dedicate ourselves to the act of overcoming. There are some prizes that will only be realized as we participate with God to overcome evil over time and through trial. We are called to hold fast, persevere through to the very end no matter the cost. It’s the place of testing where our truest selves are revealed. Are you an overcomer? Are you willing to work towards the prize? Are you trusting in Christ alone to equip you for the battle?
Press on beloved; there is a prize, a crown, a promise yet to be revealed. The Father who loves you does not foolishly hand out a prize before it’s time. He lovingly sets it aside for you, for the overcoming, for the celebration of a victory hard won. It’s a prize of such value that it must be celebrated in the company of Christ Himself. What a glorious day to come.
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