On Being in the Victory Parade

2 Corinthians 2:14b-16 MSG In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse. 

1 John 4:4-6 MSG  My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world. These people belong to the Christ-denying world. They talk the world’s language and the world eats it up. But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone who knows God understands us and listens. The person who has nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen to us. This is another test for telling the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception.

Observation

2 Corinthians is written by the Apostle Paul to the church he founded in Corinth.  A faction arose in the church which disputed Paul’s authority and teaching.  Paul had to confront this faction not to preserve any status or position of power on his part, but, rather, to assure that the people were not deceived and derailed by false teaching.  It is the truth that sets people free. 

This is not the only time of conflict or persecution that Paul faced during his Christian life and ministry.  He relates to us that ministry has joy, hope, sorrow, rejection, pain, and fulfillment.  He asks us to remember that one person’s victory is another’s defeat.  Satan is not a good loser and he will do his best to convince us that we are really the losers by trying to discourage us with difficult circumstances, struggles and rejection.  Paul is telling us here that, regardless of our circumstances and the struggles we may face, we always have victory when we are in Christ and working to bring others in.  “In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade.”

Should we be shocked or taken aback when we experience conflict or rejection in ministry?  Should we lose hope when circumstances make it seem like we are on the losing end of the victory parade?  I don’t think so!  Jesus is the incarnate God, the ultimate teacher, full of the Holy Spirit, power and wisdom.  Yet, the crowds that sat under His ministry had varied reactions – some were forever changed, some thought it was a good message and left unchanged, some were offended and wanted to kill Him.  Jesus was overturning sacred cows (traditions held to be above criticism) and this made Him very unpopular with, and even dangerous to, those in authority.  Paul is telling us that we should expect no less when the power of God comes against man made power structures.  Jesus hanging on the Cross did not look very victorious, but it actuality it was the most victorious day in all history.

Impact on Me

There are plenty of times I have felt like I was on the losing side in ministry and watching Satan’s victory parade.  It is usually when things don’t go the way I have planned or get the result I expected within my timeframe and in the way I decided demonstrated success.  Through introspection and seeking God on what I classed as my failures (or, Lord forgive me, when I blamed Him), there are several replies by the Holy Spirit in return.  “Did you consult me on the plan and my desired result?”  “There seems to be a lot of ‘I’ in the planning and not much ‘us’.”   It is then I realize that I was setting the expectations rather than letting God be in control.  I wanted Him to bless my plan rather than listen to His.  I wanted to set the standards for success rather than trust that His plan from the foundation of the world was no longer sufficient.  Have I joined the ranks of those who looked upon Jesus on the Cross and despaired because it didn’t fit my definition of Messiah? 

It is that exact moment, when I look on the Cross and see the blood running down, that I repent for my pride and foolishness, asking forgiveness for doubting God’s plans and the method He chooses to execute them.  While His ways may seem to me like an oddball way to total victory, I resubmit myself to be obedient whether I understand or not.  There will always be people who “belong to the Christ-denying world.”  Sometimes, it will seem like they are victorious over the Gospel.  However, we always have victory over them because “the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world.”  We cannot let circumstances, struggles and trials make us forget that in Christ we are in the victory parade, not just watching one pass us by! 

Prayer

Lord of Heaven and Earth, Messiah, Redeemer, All-Wise God, I pray that You will teach me Your ways and give me insight into how I can serve You best.  When difficulties, trials and struggles come, remind me that You are working all things together for good whether I understand or not.  I set myself to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly – following Your instructions.  I recommit to giving You control over the cost-benefit analysis, like Jesus, trusting that whatever the cost to me, it is worth the benefit to You.  May I always be that aroma redolent with the life of Christ so others might be drawn to the knowledge of Him.  I ask it all in Jesus’ name.  Make it so!