Sermon Illustrations
We Already Know the Final Score
Lyle Arakaki shares this insight: In Hawaii, because of the time difference with the continental U.S., the NFL Monday Night Football game is played in mid-afternoon, so the local TV station delays its telecast until 6:30 in the evening. When my favorite team plays, I'm too excited to wait for television, so I'll listen to the game on the radio, which broadcasts it live. Then, because they're my favorite team, I'll watch the game on television, too.
If I know my team has won the game, it influences how I watch it on television. If my team fumbles the ball or throws an interception, it's not a problem. I think, That's bad, but it's okay. In the end, we'll win!
"In this world you will have trouble," said Jesus. "But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). When going through trouble, knowing the final outcome makes all the difference.