And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. — Colossians 2:15

The crucifixion was so ugly, cruel, and disgusting that the Greeks didn’t use the word “crucify” in polite conversation. The worst people in society who were seen as a threat to the government were the only ones who were put to death by crucifixion. Jesus had to go through this horrible death. But what Satan meant to make God look bad, Jesus turned around and made him and his evil angels look bad. He showed them off to everyone. He changed their stick of shameful torture into an altar of honor. He turned the bloody rage of hell into a way to forgive. He turned evil’s power to kill into a place where people could get better. Even though we are sad about what Jesus did for us on the cross, we are also happy that the evil one and all of his hatred have been broken. What seems like a win turns out to be a loss. What was meant to be God’s biggest shame turns out to be his biggest gift, which saves us from Satan.

 

Thought

The crucifixion was so ugly, cruel, and disgusting that the Greeks didn’t use the word “crucify” in polite conversation. The worst people in society who were seen as a threat to the government were the only ones who were put to death by crucifixion. Jesus had to go through this horrible death. But what Satan meant to make God look bad, Jesus turned around and made him and his evil angels look bad. He showed them off to everyone. He changed their stick of shameful torture into an altar of honor. He turned the bloody rage of hell into a way to forgive. He turned evil’s power to kill into a place where people could get better. Even though we are sad about what Jesus did for us on the cross, we are also happy that the evil one and all of his hatred have been broken. What seems like a win turns out to be a loss. What was meant to be God’s biggest shame turns out to be his biggest gift, which saves us from Satan.

 

Prayer

Holy and righteous Father, I will never be able to say enough good things about your plan, your sacrifice, and the way you saved me. No song of praise, poem from the heart, or letter of love could ever say how much I appreciate what you did for me, Jesus. Thank you for rescuing me from sin, death, and a meaningless life. I give my life as a gift of thanks and praise to you, dear Father, and to you, Lord Jesus. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.