The Real World Cup

The Real World Cup

I am but one of billions that have been tranfixed by this event that occurs every four years: namely the FIFA World Cup. I have intensely followed teams through qualifying rounds, seen my hopes rise and crash with the success and failures of my favorite team. I have followed the team through the opening rounds and the elimination rounds, suffering no small amount of anxiety during this period of 30 days; one glorious month every four years. Like I said I am but one of billions...

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Pretty soon there will be one final match and one winner who will hold the trophy cup. Champion! That cup will be lifted with pride not only for the players and coaches and football federations but for the entire nation whom they represent. As for the other nations there will be sadness at not winning followed by a hope that springs anew: 'maybe next four years'. That's the beauty of the game.

But some 2000 years ago another cup was raised, the cup of salvation, the real 'world cup'.

"This is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven."

This cup is raised and given not just to one nation but to all the nations. This is the Lord's Cup. As a deacon I am blessed and priveleged to lift this cup for you and for all nations. I may never see or touch the FIFA trophy but I have lifted the real 'World Cup'. I am humbled by this.

You and I are always invited to share in this cup and we don't have to wait every four years. That's the beauty of this faith and once again I am just one of billions  Peace.