“Now thanks be to God, who always causes us to TRIUMPH in Christ, and makes manifest the fragrance of His knowledge through us in every place.” – 1 Corinthians 2:14
The word for “triumph” is a Greek word that implies a parade of great victory after warfare. It was an all-encompassing celebration practiced by the Hebrews, Greeks, and Romans after winning a battle. Led by the Conqueror with joyful singing, and incense being waved (because incense burns an event into the memory to never be forgotten, for it will be instantly recalled at the same smell), and with invitations for others to join the celebration, the parade would wind its way through the city streets and end with great feasting.
The Bible uses it of Jesus’ resurrection and our unending celebration because He defeated death… “He has made you alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwritten decrees that were against us, which were contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His Cross. And having stripped principalities and authorities (of their imagined power over Him), he made a public display of them, TRIUMPHING over them in it (His resurrection)!” – (Colossians 2:13-15).
We must face each new day with this mindset of faith. Jesus overcame the Devil, wicked rulers, hatred, evil plans, death, and hell – for every person that will place their faith in Him. It doesn’t mean we begin each day with giddy indifference to the heartbreaking events in our world, but that we celebrate a Savior who will cleanse this whole earth from evil and fill it with His glory. Bill and Gloria Gaither captured this truth in song…
“A parade began at Calvary,
And the saints of all the ages fill its ranks,
O’er the sands of time they’re marching
To the King’s great coronation,
And this could be the dawning of that day!
O this could be the dawning
Of that grand and glorious Day,
When the face of Jesus we behold,
Dreams and hopes of all the ages
Are awaiting His returning,
And this could be the dawning of that day!”
Maranatha!
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