July 26, 2004

THE UNCONQUERABLE ONE

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57, NKJV).

Ever since His decisive victory over Satan in the wilderness (see Matthew 4:1-11), He has remained the unconquerable warrior in the great controversy between good and evil. The mighty warrior has never lost a battle.

The battle at Calvary was Christ's crowning victory. It became Satan's Waterloo. On that historic Friday at Calvary, some feared for the outcome of the deadliest battle of all. Jesus could be seen crucified on a cross. The prospect for victory looked bleak. But the miracle that took place early Sunday morning made the difference. The empty tomb and the angelic declaration, "He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him" (Mark 16:6, NIV), was the official announcement of the final victory. Now the unconquerable warrior could triumphantly declare, "I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades" (Revelation 1:18, NIV).

Because Jesus is the unconquerable warrior, we who follow Him can become "more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Romans 8:37, NIV). Our unconquerable commander is on His way for the grand victory celebration. Meanwhile, here are some words of encouragement: "The gift of Christ is our pledge of help in trouble, and of victory in conflict. In Christ is the strength of His people; for to Him all power has been given. 'He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.' "--Signs of the Times, May 20, 1908.

My Prayer Today: Lord, because You are the unconquerable One, I can be more than a conqueror. Amen.