But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us to triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. ~ II Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)
READING: II Corinthians 2:12-17
Despite his worry about the whereabouts of Titus and his concern over the new church in Corinth, Paul was confident in Christ “who always leads us in triumphal procession.”
When he wrote those words, in the original Greek, he used the image of a “Roman Triumph,” the special victory parade for a Roman general. This was a unique honor awarded only to a general who achieved extraordinary acclaim in battle.
This Roman general had to meet three qualifications. First, he must have actually led his troops in combat. Directing safely from the sidelines was not enough. Second, he had to have completely conquered the enemy. And third, he must have advanced the boundaries of the Roman Empire. Simply defending Rome did not qualify.
We are confident in Christ because He far exceeds the exploits of any human conqueror. How we love our Savior, and honor Him, for the greatness of His triumph!
Our Lord Jesus placed Himself in the middle of the battlefield. The eternal Second Person of the Trinity took upon Himself human flesh, entered history, and “has been tempted just as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15).
Like the Roman general (but so much more!) Christ has conquered all. “For God has put all things in subjection under his feet” (I Cor. 15:27). In His death and resurrection, Christ our King extended the rule of the Kingdom of God to the darkest corners of humanity.
Even when we are discouraged, confused, or weary, our hope and comfort and confidence are in the Triumph of our great God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!
Jesus, Thank You that You are the King and that You are leading me in Your triumph! Amen.
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