Recorded in the book of John, at the Last Supper, Jesus takes a lot of time to speak with His disciples about upcoming things (John 13-17). One of the themes is that no matter what kind of troubles will be coming, He has already overcome them: His body will be resurrected to heaven, He will leave Holy Spirit for them, they will harvest His fruit, and their prayers will be answered.
Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? But the time is coming – indeed it’s here now – when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving Me alone. Yet I am not abandoned because the Father is with Me. I have told you all this so that in Me you may be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. For in this unbelieving world you will have many troubles and sorrows. But take courage, because I have already overcome the world (John 16: 31-33).
There are so many ways that Jesus overcomes for us! He is our forward guard, He will guard our going out and our coming in (Psalms 121:5-8). He also stands beside us holding our hand. He is in step with us wherever we go. He is there to watch over us as we walk His sometimes curving path. Wherever we go, He is guarding our way. Whether we are going out into something new and scary, or coming in from that new and scary something, He goes ahead of us to protect us and help us regroup with His peace. And He promises to do this now, when we need it, as well as always, and as we need Him in our future.
There are two kinds of forward guards on a basketball team. Both of them are the players responsible for scoring and winning the game. The small forward is the most versatile and can perform the skills of every position. The power forward is also an important position for scoring. This person is the one who dominates inside the paint and gets the most rebounds. I love this illustration because usually UNC is hot during March Madness! (Just had to brag for my alma mater.)
But also, I would love to see Jesus playing basketball! Wouldn’t He truly reform and revolutionize the game? In the here and now, He is that forward guard that we need. He is the MVP and our all-everything. His greatest joy is to be with us in the paint, in the thick of things, and in the nitty-gritty of our life. He is the one always helping us rebound from whatever. He has scored all the points for us. He has already won the game and the championship. He has overcome!
He has given us the victory (1 Corinthians 15:57).
He has already triumphed over the authorities (Colossians 2:15).
He also wants us to be His forward guard in the heat of His game. He has given us Holy Spirit to empower and gift us so that we may play with power. The spotlight is His light when we get the win for Him. It is God who has started this greater work among you. You will be part of that win. And you will be God’s biggest fan when the trophies are given out. Jesus Christ will be revealed to everyone on that victorious day when He returns (Col 3:4).
We never need to be shy sharing about the victory God has given us, or is giving us in our present, with those around us. Glorify Him! Do your best to be their guard until they take advantage of His peace. Show them how He is their Victor.
Who might God be calling you to keep safe, until that day they see Him for themselves?
Guard of my life, thank You for overcoming for me again and again. I need Your power and talent. Show me who else needs their peace guarded. Use me. Amen.
happy hunger 
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