Tuesday, July 1, 2008

TRIUMPHANT

Triumph is a precious thing. We honor the triumphant. The gallant soldier sitting astride his steed. The determined explorer returning from his discovery. The winning athlete holding aloft the triumpant trophy of victory. Yes, we love triumph.Triumph brings with it a swell of purpose and meaning. When im triumphant, im worthy. when im triumphant, i count. when i'm triumphant, im significant.Triumph is fleeting, though, hardly does one taste victory, yet before it is gone; achieved, yet now history. no one remains a champion forever. time for yet another conquest, another victory.perhaps this is the absurdity of Paul's claim: "But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphal procession.." 2cor2:24the triumph of Christ is not temporary. triumphant in Christ is not an event or an occassion. its not fleeting. to be triumphant in Christ is a life-style.. a state of being.. to triumph in Christ is not something we do, its something we are.here is a big difference between a victory in Christ and a victory in the world:a victor in the world rejoices over something he did--swimming the english channel, climbing the mount everest, making a million.but the believer rejoices over who he is--a child of God, a forgiven sinner, an heir of eternity. as the hymn goes, " heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his spirit, washed in His blood".Nothing can seperate us from our triumph in Christ. Nothing! our triumph is not based upon our feelings but upon God's gift. our triumph is based not upon our perfection but upon God's forgiveness.How precious is the triumph! For eventhough we pressed on in every side, the victory is still ours. Nothing can alter the loyalty of God.As Joan of Arc said when she was abondoned by those who should have stood by her,"it is better to be alone with God. His friendship will not fail me, nor His counsel, nor His love. In His strength i will dare and dare and dare until i die!".Triumphant in Christ, its not something we do. its something we are...

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