The Lord blessed with a marvelous Monday yesterday, the day after the Resurrection day of our Lord. We are living in the afterglow of Easter. Alice and I took a long walk in one of the gorgeous parks, located along the river banks. The winter snow now has melted and the river was overflowing its banks. We are suddenly aware of the decline of winter and the transformation all around us. One of the places we spent time in near the river is like a bird sanctuary. So many birds congregate there, especially in the evening, to offer their evening songs of praise and gratitude to the risen Lord.
For friends overseas - last night was the national basketball championship game, played in Indianapolis, Indiana. Duke University played Wisconsin for the title - Duke won. My daughters and my wife are avid Duke basketball fans. Janice first watched Duke play as a young teen, even taping many Duke games. We love the sights and sounds of victory. On Easter morning we celebrated the victory of Jesus over death and the grave.
It seems as if many events in our lives revolve around celebrations. When two people decide to marry, they celebrate with a wedding ceremony and reception; then every year they celebrate an anniversary. When people get new job, they celebrate their new employment; when they are promoted, they celebrate their promotions; and when it's time to leave, they celebrate their retirements. When someone completes school, we celebrate graduations; when someone is born, we celebrate the birth; when someone dies, we celebrate his or her life. Now is the season of Easter, the Season of victory. Jesus came, He saw, and He conquered. 2 Corinthians 2:14 says, "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. The Christian life is not about defeat. It’s about victory!"
During the days of the Roman empire, conquering generals often received a hero’s welcome upon their return home. It was called the ‘Roman Triumph’ and it was their equivalent to our modern ticker-tape parade. Upon returning from his conquest, the conquering general would be escorted through Rome in a golden chariot. According to once source, the conqueror’s chariot was drawn by two white stallions. Depending on where the triumph had taken place, other animals were also sometimes used. Clark wrote in his commentary, “When Pompey triumphed over Africa, his chariot was drawn by elephants; … Mark Antony by lions …”
As the conquering general made his way through the city, citizens of Rome would cheer him, while throwing flowers on the street to pave his way. Following him would be many of his army commanders. In addition, there would be wagons and chariots containing the spoils of battle. Also in the parade would be chained enemy soldiers and former prisoners of war who had been set free. It was a day like no other for this Roman general. One resource referred to it as – ‘a grand spectacle of enormous proportions’, for a great victory over Rome’s enemies had been won.
Paul uses this as an illustration for the victory Christ has won through His death, burial and resurrection. Colossians 2:13-15, "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly , triumphing over them in it."
The New Living Translation has a slightly different version of verse 15. "In this way, God disarmed the evil rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross of Christ."
Christ ‘plundered’ the enemy and made a spectacle of them. He stripped them of all authority over our lives. Colossians 1:13 "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son". According to Hebrews 2:14-15 “Christ … shared in the flesh and blood of men, so that through His death He might destroy the one holding the power of death-that is, the Devil, and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death."
1 Corinthians 15:55-57 "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." The word ‘victory’ should not be taken lightly, as it refers to a complete and utter defeat of an enemy. It’s not victory by a narrow margin, but a total victory.
2 Corinthians 2:14, "Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ…" Not only has Christ triumphed; He causes us to triumph as well! Praise be to the Risen Lord!
Christ is Risen.. He is Risen Indeed.
In Him.
Brown
https://youtu.be/RbBOOmkMLmI
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