Luke 24:6 KJV – “He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,”
While the battle of Waterloo raged, all of England waited breathlessly for news. At last, the message came slowly across the channel. “Wellington defeated” had just been spelled out when a sudden blanket of fog obscured the telegraph signals. News of the disaster quickly spread, and the deepest gloom settled over the land—until 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 into 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 set at liberty those who are oppressed.” (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 will believe. He paid our sin debt and publicly stripped Satan of his power, triumphing over the grave. We are no longer captives. Jesus set us free forever! 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!
Awaiting His return,
– Pastor Jack
