Thanks For Christ’s Victory

Thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.

2 Corinthians 2:14

Ancient Roman generals, returning from a victory in a distant land, would parade down the main streets with the spoils of battle—including a throng of captives. In this prayer of thanksgiving, Paul uses this image of a triumphal procession to thank Christ for defeating the evil forces of this world. Interestingly, Paul identifies believers as Christ’s captives. We were once part of Satan’s army; but Jesus has taken us captive. As such, our transformed lives clearly proclaim Christ’s great victory. But unlike the captives of Roman conquerors, we aren’t destined to be sold into demeaning servitude. Instead, Christ has freed us from our old evil master to become his adopted sons and daughters.

Thank God, today, that you are included in Christ’s victory parade.

• Thanks be to you, O God, who made me your captive in Christ’s triumphal procession . . .