The Game of Life

Jesus told parables to illustrate truths about the Kingdom of God. These stories helped the original hearers — and us — to understand complex concepts. So what if Jesus were here with us today as we play games? How would He teach us?

The world is like a game in that trouble will come.

You know that moment when you realize you made a strategic error or you draw a disastrous card. Life is like that. We mess up or terrible things happen that are out of our control. At best, they’re a setback, but at their worst, we’re devastated. Following Jesus does not mean life will be perfect. We live in a broken world, and brokenness is in and all around us. 

Jesus says, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Renewing your mind is like changing course in a game.

You have to play what you draw, and sometimes that means abandoning the hand you’ve been building and changing course. Winning requires making strategic adjustments. When it comes to our mindsets, we’re all a work in progress. We must learn to think differently than the world teaches us.

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

The Son of Man is like a game changer.

It’s late in the game, and you’re losing. Bad. You cannot maneuver your way out, and it’s just a matter of time before your opponent finishes you off. But then, one turn changes everything, and you have hope. As sinners, we need a game changer. We need the Savior on the other side of those “but God” moments.

Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.”

Eternity will be like the end of a game.

At the end of the game, everything goes back in the box. The winner is easily forgotten, and all the players get to start anew the next time. What happens in the here and now, friends, will fade away, and our eternity will be a fresh and new. We will be fresh and new!

Revelation 21:4 says, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Let’s pray.

Dear Jesus, thank you for this time together and the gift of parables to teach us and help us remember that your Kingdom is vastly different from this world. We long to understand the truth. May your ways be imprinted on our hearts and mold our minds. Amen.