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March
3, 2004
THE
OVERCOMER
"In
this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome
the world" (John 16:33, NIV).
In the
portrait of the mighty overcomer, Christ predicted His victory
at the cross. Looking forward to the conflict on Calvary,
He was confident that the prince of this world would be decisively
defeated.
Throughout
His earthly ministry, Christ was constantly locked in deadly
combat with the enemy. In all these engagements of the great
controversy, He remained the undefeated-and undefeatable-world
champion. One of the most crucial battles was fiercely fought
in the wilderness at the initiation of Christ's public ministry.
In this encounter, our Saviour won a decisive victory (see
Matthew 4:1-11). It was so sweeping a victory that Satan "departed
from him for a season" (Luke 4:13).
However,
the enemy soon returned in fury. Even from infancy, Christ's
life was "one long struggle against the powers of darkness."--The
Desire of Ages, p. 71. The ultimate victory was conclusively
won on the cross when the conqueror exclaimed, "It is
finished" (John 19:30). Then the prophecy of Genesis
3:15 met its triumphant fulfillment. Christ, the seed of the
woman, had crushed the serpent's head. Every step in God's
redemptive strategy had been completed according to the divine
timetable (see Luke 23:44-46). Christ, the mighty conqueror,
had triumphed. By this victory, Christ had guaranteed the
salvation of the human race.
Having
overcome, He has given us the assurance that because He overcame,
we too can be made overcomers through His amazing grace (see
Revelation 3:21). Here is the key to this victory: "He
who triumphed over the adversary of souls in the conflict
with temptation understands Satan's power over the race, and
has conquered in our behalf. As an overcomer, He has given
us the advantage of His victory... We may resist in His all-powerful
name and overcome as He overcame."--In Heavenly Places,
p. 251.
My
Prayer Today: Lord, I am encouraged that because
You overcame, I too shall overcome. Amen.
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