“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Col. 2:15).
In biblical times when a Roman Emperor overcame the enemy, his army would plunder the enemy’s camp and take everything. Then the Roman Emperor would come in on a white stallion, take the defeated king’s crown and robe and put them on. Afterwards, the Emperor would tie him to the back of his white stallion to be dragged into the gates of Rome along with his weapons and all of his treasures.
The Roman Emperor would ride with his adversary defeated behind him; he would be singing a song of triumph. When he’d come through the gates of Rome, a big celebration would break forth with shouting, singing, and dancing because they won the battle.
Well, how did our Commander, Jesus Christ overcome our enemy?
Colossians 2:15, gives us a clear picture of what He did. “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
Jesus went down into the very pit of hell. Yes, the enemy thought he had won. But the Holy Ghost energized Jesus and He threw off principalities, powers, and He made an open show of them in triumph. Our King plundered the enemy.
After beating the devil to a pulp, Jesus bound up Satan’s weapons, took away all his treasures, and then He went back to the throne of God and gave His Father the keys to the kingdom of death, hell, and the grave. And He said, “Father, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth,”
Then all heaven began to rejoice because the King of kings and the Lord of lords has come with the victory. His name is Jesus.
That’s why the Word tells us to rejoice, to sing, to shout for joy, and to be glad. It’s because the enemy has already been defeated and you have already won. So praise God in the middle of the trial. Speak the Word when the enemy comes your way and get before God and pray.
Why? The victory has already been secured and it belongs to you. You’re on the winning side. The Spiritual realm is where the power is. Jesus already provided the victory. He gave us weapons that are highly effective.
Operate on the Word of God and function in God’s peace. Be confident regardless of what you are dealing with, now or in the future, because the victory is yours.
Scripture Reference: Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:57-58; 1 John 4:4
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Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).