And the Winners Are…

This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this glorious salvation prepared for you. … They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. – 1 Peter 1:10, 12 (NLT) 

The past midterm elections were filled with lots of winners and losers. In the aftermath, most of the applause and admiration are focused on the winners. People love winners, or at least tip their hats to winning strategies. 

But we should also recognize that not all the winners got a “win check” beside their names. They didn’t get to take office or have their names appear in the winners’ column. 

Some winners worked hard registering, educating, and galvanizing voters, but lost at the ballot box. Some winners made great sacrifices to advocate for impartial and accessible elections, but were not rewarded with elected offices. And because some winners stood for causes that were not popular, but principled, they were not favored by the electorate. 

God gave the ancient prophets revelations about the great salvation that would be fulfilled in Christ Jesus, and those prophets longed to see that salvation manifested in their own eyes and in their own contexts. But God told them their prophesies would not come to fruition for themselves. Their prophesies would bless and benefit future generations of believers. 

Many who labor steadfastly and serve with integrity do not reap the benefits of their diligence and devotion. 

Moses led the children of Israel through the forty-year trek of their arduous, agonizing, sometimes self-conflicting sojourn through the wilderness to the promised land. Yet Moses himself never got to set foot in the land he earnestly prophesied about and valiantly led his people toward. 

Not every good soldier wins the battle. But there are no losers among those who unrelentingly fight the good fight for liberty and justice, for all.

Prayer
Lord, thank you for the win of being faithful. Amen.

About the Author
Kenneth L. Samuel is Pastor of Victory for the World Church, Decatur, Georgia.