Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Friday, February 26, 2016

"Though you have not seen him (Jesus), you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."¹

As one author wrote, "Nike" is a name that interests me. We are told that before the time of Jesus there were also terrible wars. When an invading army approached a city, the defenders would go out to face the army.

If there was defeat, the men would be killed or enslaved, the women would be abused, families would be torn apart, and children would be sold as slaves. The people in the city had no way of knowing the news of the battle except by a message carried by a runner. If there was defeat, he tore his clothes, put on ashes and cried, "Woe, woe, defeat." People would try to get away but rarely could.

When there was victory, the runner would be stripped to the waist. He carried a palm branch in his hand. As he ran, perspiration would cover his body. He would be shining in the late afternoon sun. People knew the message even before he arrived. He would run through the city gates and cry, "Nike! Nike!" Nike means victory. The runner was shouting, "Victory! Victory!"

Because of the resurrection of Jesus, this is a time of putting on our running shoes and shouting, "Victory! Victory!" In our lesson from Peter today, we read about "inexpressible joy." That is what Jesus's resurrection brings us—inexpressible joy. Nike. Victory.

Suggested prayer, "Dear God, if I could count the ways You have blessed me, perhaps it would take all eternity. And how can I ever thank You enough for Your great love in giving Jesus to die for my sins and for His resurrection assuring me of Your forgiveness of all my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life and salvation? Because You died for me, help me to live for You always in all ways. Please grant that my manner of life will shout, 'Nike! Victory!' to all who know and see me. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV).

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