Soon it will be Overs

I was at Headingley on Friday evening to watch the cricket. It was a fast-played, no-nonsense T20 rather than glacial County Cricket with its red balls and white-clad 'players' standing around. Up against the clock, batsmen had to score rather than merely deflect balls and protect the wicket. Indeed, a chap on the row in front had a bloodied nose on account of a decent six. Even when Yorkshire followed Birmingham’s impressive innings, there was still a chance they could win. I almost- almost- became a Yorkshire supporter as their fours and sixes added up to bring them within a hair’s breadth of victory. Alas, it was not to be, but we obtained a good night’s cricket, leaving the ground about 10pm. Apart from watching the players’ skill and enjoying the atmosphere, the tension and hope of winning bequeathed the night its pleasure.

The Bible makes it clear that good will triumph over evil, God over Satan, light over darkness. Yet does not this interplay prove any less fascinating? As we see the signs of Christ’s return, the increase of wickedness, the arraying of dark forces against the saints and against Christ’s rule, we may tremble and swoon, or we may discreetly smile, knowing our redemption draweth nigh. As Major General Charles Worsley wrote in 1653:

We are the children of the last times, and upon us are the ends of the world come; Prophesies, and Promises, which have been bid from ages and generations, are now enriching us by their revealing, and fulfilling in us: Arise and shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

The cricket match was pleasurable because we knew not the outcome. The showdown between the God of heaven and the prince of this world is exciting because we really do know how it ends.

The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Rev 20:10