Luke 24:6 “…He is not here, but is risen!”
While the battle of Waterloo raged, all of England waited breathlessly for news. At last, a message came across the channel before a sudden blanket of fog obscured the telegraph signals—Wellington Defeated. News of the disaster quickly spread, and a deep gloom settled over the land. Then, the completed message came: Wellington defeated the enemy! At once, sorrow turned to great rejoicing.
Likewise, in the gloom of Good Friday, the disciples could only read: Jesus defeated! But in the bright light of Easter morning, the glorious truth of Jesus’ resurrection shone through their despair.
Calvary’s cross and Christ’s resurrection were God’s means of fulfilling His long-awaited judgment of the serpent. “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” (Genesis 3:15) By sending His Son, God kept His promise “to proclaim liberty to the captives.”(Isaiah 61:1)
What the disciples first saw as a sign of defeat became the symbol of absolute power, victory, and freedom for all who would believe. Under any other circumstances, the talk of crucifixion would be morbid. However, when we look to the cross of Christ, we Christians find comfort and liberation. Jesus paid our sin debt and publicly stripped Satan of his power, triumphing over the grave. What gratitude, what hope, what cause for rejoicing should well up in our hearts now and forevermore.
Jesus defeated the enemy—He is risen indeed!
– Pastor Jack
Click here to read all of Jack Hibbs’ Weekly Devotionals at Real Life with Jack Hibbs.
