Power of the cross

We acknowledge the power of the cross, the victory of Christ over sin and death, and the freedom we have in Him. Paul tells us in Colossians 2:15 that by His death on the cross, Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities that opposed Him and His people. He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Paul refers to both the human and the spiritual forces that were hostile to God and God’s purposes. The human rulers, such as Herod, Caesar, Pilate, and the Jewish leaders, who conspired to crucify Jesus, thinking they could silence Him and His message. The spiritual rulers of the dark world who influenced the human rulers and tried to thwart God’s plan of salvation. These powers and authorities were enemies of God and God’s people, and they seemed to have the upper hand.

But Paul reveals the hidden truth: by the cross, Jesus exposed their weakness and defeated their schemes. He stripped them of their power and authority and shamed them publicly. He triumphed over them by the cross, not by the sword. He conquered them by His love, not by force. He liberated us from their bondage, not by might, but by His grace.

We can live in the freedom and joy of Christ, knowing that He has overcome the world and its rulers. We can resist the temptation and deception of the evil one, knowing that he has been disarmed and disgraced. It means that we can trust in the sovereignty and goodness of God, knowing that God has the final say over all things.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your amazing love and grace that led You to the cross. We praise You for Your victory over sin and death, and for Your power over the powers and authorities that opposed You and Your people. You have disarmed them and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Help us to live in the freedom and joy that You have purchased for us. Help us to resist the temptation and deception of the evil one, who has been defeated and disgraced. Help us to trust in the sovereignty and goodness of God, who has the final say over all things.

We pray that You would fill us with Your Spirit and enable us to follow You in obedience and faithfulness. We pray that You would use us to share Your gospel and Your love with others, and to advance Your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

We pray all this in Your name, amen.