by Shelly Armstrong

Created on: February 28, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

Victor vs Victimn

Colossians 2:15
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Obviously Paul is questioning the Colossians how they could give ear to anything other than God. But his real question is how can they perceive themselves as victim's when they are actually victorious through the cross. Indeed, how can any of us?

1Peter 5:8 says: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. I wonder if we focus on the power of Satan more than the power of our Lord and Savior. How many of you have heard someone give warning to going to hell if you don't repent? How many of you said "The devil made me do it?"

Well, Colossi ans2:15 negates all these thoughts. These demonic forces are legally stripped of their authority and are defeated! No longer are the believers insignificant, weak, voiceless, and unprotected being whispering about their prayers and trying to fly below the radar.

When Jesus died on the Cross, he went to the pits of Sheol (hades at that time). There were two sections of Sheol, one was Hades and the other Abraham's bosom. Personally, had I died in those time, I would much prefer Abraham's bosom. Because when Jesus when into the pits of hades, he battled Satan. He suffered the unquenchable, indescribable anguish to take back the authority of the earth from Satan. I imagine Elisha, Abraham, Daniel, Ezekiel and all the other profits of old standing across the pit that divided Sheol into the two section watching this spectacle. I can almost hear their voices shouting "give him one for me!" "Bring him, Lord, so that I might join in his defeat!"

What a day that was for all mankind. As Jesus rose from the dead that third glorious day, he rose victorious, glorious, magnificent, and with the praises of thousands of saints gone before Him as they entered into their real Heaven. And now, with the mere mention of Jesus, demons flee from us with fear and, could it be, even respect of that precious name.

I read several articles, searching for the Greek meanings and translations of this verse. I found several interpretations, but only one has stayed in my heart. Rick Renner quoted the translation as this: "He gallantly strode into Heaven to celebrate His victory and the defeat of Satan and his forces. As part of His triumphal process, He flaunted the spoils seized from the hand of the enemy. Yet the greatest spectacle of all occurred when the enemy himself was openly put on display as bound, disgraced, disabled, defeated, humiliated, and stripped bare..."

Amen! Praise the Lord! No matter what else you might think, this is evidence you are a victor through Christ your Lord. You can walk forward in confidence He is on your side and you can speak His name with fortitude and strength and He will meet you in battle against your enemies. Are you fearful of what is outside your home? No longer. Take the name of Jesus with you, wherever you are. Speak His name in love to the lost, speak His name with power to the evil, speak His name with power to the weak, speak His name with confidence to the meek. Never are we to have anything than the Word, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Finally, Phillipians 4:13: I can do all things, through Christ Jesus who strengtheneth me.

Amen!

Learn more about this author, Shelly Armstrong.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.