Jesus’ nature is that of triumph. Even in death—especially in death—He triumphed by conquering its finality. But God released Him from the horrors of death and raised Him back to life, for death could not keep Him in its grip (Acts 2:24 NLT). When Jesus does something, He does it right--the first time, every time. In His triumph over death, He defeated sin, too, as 1 Corinthians 15:57 (MSG) declares, but now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three — sin, guilt, death — are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God!
When we align with Christ and come under His Lordship, we become part of a “win-win” situation. Whether we live in a humble setting or a palace, the Lord is bound to us to protect and provide for us according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). As part of this winning team called the Body of Christ, we accomplish much for Him by doing His work in our spheres of influence. He has a fulfilling purpose for us, whether man or woman, married or single, educated or uneducated, rich or poor. Moreover, He helps us succeed in that purpose, despite our weaknesses.
The Apostle Paul reminds us of this in 2 Corinthians 2:14-15, but thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. Think about that the next time you put on perfume or cologne—we are the aroma of Christ to those who will perish unless they experience Christ’s triumphant victory over their sin.
In the picture above, we read, do not weep! See, the lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has triumphed (Revelation 5:5). Not only has Jesus triumphed over death, but He will defeat Satan and cast him into a lake of fire at the final battle of good and evil (Revelation 20:7-10). God is a triumphant winner every time. He doesn’t know how to lose.
Consider the following verses that record other instances of God’s triumphant character:
· Exodus 15:1--(After the parting of the Red Sea), then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord: "I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously; He has hurled both horse and rider into the sea.”
· John 16:33—Jesus assures the disciples that He is triumphant over the world: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
· Colossians 2:15—Another powerful victory of Jesus: He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to shame by triumphing over them in him.
Praise brings triumph. When we live in an attitude of praise, we shield ourselves from many thoughts and imaginings that can lead to defeat if we rehearse them throughout the day. 1 Chronicles 16:35 tells us to say, "Save us, O God of our salvation; Gather us together, and deliver us from the Gentiles, to give thanks to Your holy name, to triumph in Your praise."
Romans 8:37-39 encourages us with these words, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Maintaining an attitude of praise to the eternally triumphant One will cause Christ’s victorious character to rub off on us. I need more of that! How about you?
© 2022, Chris Werre