Victory is a sought-after but elusive commodity. People are quick to claim it, only to realise that it is still out of their reach. In recent times, countries were quick to claim victory in the battle against Covid-19, only to discover that yet another variant was about to hit them. In the past century, catastrophic wars were fought more than once to gain uneasy victories over enemy states. Around the world, political parties pour much money and effort into claiming victory at the polls, only to be voted out a few years later. Victory, even when it is attained in this world, seems transient, insecure, and finite.
Christians are not spared from this experience with victory. Each day, we strive to overcome temptation, only to yield to our impatience, anger, greed, and apathy. As a church, we strive to be obedient to Godâs commands, but fail on many occasions. Victory over sin is sought after, but appears to elude us individually and collectively.
But is this the end of the Christianâs experience? Surely not! The Bible assures us that true victory is available for all who trust in Jesus Christ (1 Cor 15:57). And, as the apostle Paul describes in 1 Cor 15:50-57, this victory is eternal, secure, and imperishableâeven overcoming death itself.
Our victory in Christ is the theme of the song âLiving Hopeâ. Verse 1 encapsulates our experience here on earth, where our striving fails to amount to anything. The remaining verses then remind us that âthe work is finishedâ because of what Jesus has done in bearing our sin and overcoming death. The chorus erupts in praise to the One who has âbroken every chainâ.
As we face the trials and temptations of this life, there will definitely be times of weariness and doubt. In such times, let us remember the living hope that we have. And may this hope spur us to âbe steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.â (1 Cor 15:58).
Living Hope
Words & Music: Brian Johnson, Phil Wickham; © 2017 Bethel Music Publishing (ASCAP) / Phil Wickham Music (BMI) / Simply Global Songs (BMI) / Sing My Songs (BMI)
Verse 1
How great the chasm that lay between us
How high the mountain I could not climb
In desperation, I turned to heaven
And I spoke Your name into the night
Verse 2
Then through the darkness
Your lovingkindness
Tore through the shadows of my soul
The work is finished, the end is written
Jesus Christ, my living hope
Verse 3
Who could imagine so great a mercy
What heart could fathom such boundless grace
The God of ages stepped down from glory
To wear my sin and bear my shame
Verse 4
The cross has spoken, I am forgiven
The King of kings calls me His own
Beautiful Saviour, Iâm Yours forever
Jesus Christ, my living hope
Chorus
Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
Thereâs salvation in Your Name
Jesus Christ, my living hope
Verse 5
Then came the morning that sealed the promise
Your buried body began to breathe
Out of the silence, the roaring lion
Declared the grave has no claim on me
Amelia Leo is a programmes executive at the Methodist School of Music, Worship & Church Music Department.