Ensign: Game Changers

All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye. Isaiah 18:3


AN ENSIGN ON THE MOUNTAINS                       16 June 2017


The reality television show Survivor just finished its thirty-fourth season broadcast on CBS in the United States. On average there's two seasons (that is, thirty-nine day sessions where a number of people are stranded on an island and expected to, in the words of the show logo, "outwit, outplay, outlast" their fellow castaways) every year as Survivor's been on since the turn of the century and is showing no signs of going off the air or even being on the bubble.


Why?


More astute watchers and critics than I can answer that, but one reason for Survivor's (and nearly every other ongoing show's) popularity is that we're not sure what to expect next. You can read a plot summary -- my family knows I do this, so I'm forgiven -- and watch all the previews online you want, but it's never the same as viewing it yourself. Applying this to our (I hope, growing) Christian faith, while we can't actually live in the world of Scripture, we CAN live as those who honored God did.


And do.


If the church or Sunday school you grew up in is anything like mine was, you may wonder why the same twenty or thirty stories using the same fifty or sixty characters get replayed every year. Why do we have favorite TV shows or favorite movies that, especially in the case of movies, we can watch again and again even though we know the ending? Watching Titanic again won't change the fact that the ship sinks, no matter how much you root for Jack and Rose to remain together!


Reading the Bible cover to cover more than once won't change the ending either.


You won't read God's Word and get an ending that suits you until you become one of God's children, and you'll have a lifetime to grow in that. The more you're there, the more your "game" (slang for "life", in the sense of "get your head in the game") changes through seking the counsel of Jesus Christ. I know, it doesn't happen right away. I'm a little mistrusting myself of those who suddenly WHAMMO! become saved super-Christians burning themselves out for the sake of going to heaven.


I had started writing this with the intent of calling Jesus Christ the Ultimate Game Changer.


And make no mistake, He is! But our own games outside of how our faith in and following of Jesus in our world can be just as daunting. They may not change the ultimate outcome of our lives, but the faith that pervades every aspect of our lives, both subtle and obvious, makes a difference in how we approach a change that is coming for us. Whether it's a new job -- I start a new one next month, but more about that next week -- or the loss or addition or someone to our lives, we live.


And through the blood of Jesus Christ we can live forevermore.


As a game changer, David


P.S. I will continue as long as God allows me to write this devotional to keep in touch with you, and I hope it encourages us too! If it's not or you want me to get lost, please let me know. Thank you!


And thank YOU, Lord, that we can come to You in praise and prayer and that we can count on You to provide for all our needs according to Your riches in glory, even when we don't know what they are. (This happens more often than we think.) And we come to You in prayer for the peace of Jerusalem on both sides of the fence and all over the world.


Thank You as well, Lord, for everyone in leadership and service, in authority and power, both here and abroad. Thank You for the opportunities we have and the promise we have of new life through You by Your Son Our Brother, Jesus the Christ.


And now I pray that we all seek and have a blessed week! Amen.