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The Triumphal Procession of Christ the Victor

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

 2 Corinthians 2:14

 

Greetings in the Surpassing Love of Christ,

What a humbling joy it is for us to be a part of God’s triumphal procession – and this by his grace and not the result of works. I don’t know how many triumphal processions you’ve been to, but I’m willing to guess that it’s about the same as mine: zero. What is a triumphal procession and why do we give thanks to God that he has made us a part of it in Christ?

In the ancient Roman world, a triumphal procession took place when the army returned to Rome from a victorious battle through the main road to the heart of the capital city. It was more than just walking through the city streets; the emperor would parade exotic animals from the lands his army conquered along with captives which would include the king of the conquered land who would be executed when the procession reached its final destination. Because of these attractions (and because there was usually free food from the emperor involved), the triumphal procession was incredibly well attended by the people of Rome.

The triumphal procession is a dramatic declaration of victory over one’s enemies. We are here told that God too leads a triumphal procession because of the great victory that he has won over Satan, sin and death through the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Christ. We whom God has redeemed through Christ now join His triumphal procession; not sometimes, not occasionally, but God always leads us and employs us in spreading the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere in victorious declaration.

This pleasant fragrance of the knowledge of God comes as we present our bodies as living sacrifices holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship (Romans 12:1). For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4-5). Not only has Christ overcome the world now, but we know too that when the triumphal procession comes to it’s destination, that the king of this world will receive his final judgement, sin and death will be no more and we will rejoice in His victory forevermore.

Blessings in the Fragrance of God’s Victory,

Scott Ross

Pastor Scott