When the race has been executed with perfect strategy, and the winner breaks the tape to the roar of the crowd, the victory is celebrated with a victory lap. The victor is joined by his teammates while the celebration in his honor pulses through the stadium.
A victory brings joy to hosts—even millions—of people who are represented by the hero. They weren’t directly involved in the struggle, but the fruits of victory change their outlook, even their lives. We see this when an entire city turns out in a miles-long parade to celebrate a coveted championship. The elation is contagious. Every person is affected. Everything they have been hoping for, longing for, and training for has finally been won!
The Resurrection is the final victory.
The Resurrection is that kind of victory for the Christ-follower. But, it is not just another high point in the chronicles of history. The accomplishment of Jesus Christ in conquering death is not just another trophy in the case to gather dust. His exploits are not to be recalled only by some older saint with a vague memory of his greatness. No!
The Resurrection is a victory like no other because it is final, and it is current. It will never be eclipsed by a greater miracle. The greatest enemy was outrun and left utterly defeated.
The most pernicious threat to peace and joy was trounced. The accuser, the taunter, the purveyor of fear was silenced. Every believer in Jesus continues to dance the victory dance.
This final victory came at a cost.
This victory was hard-won. Jesus, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). The rhythms of Holy Week—Maundy Thursday and Good Friday—recount the emotional, spiritual, and physical endurance and suffering of Christ. The strenuous, heartrending agonies were only witnessed by a few, and they knew little of the pain he suffered in order to achieve this victory. Finally, when his lonely “dereliction”—his separation from the Father’s love and fellowship—was finished, he gave himself up to atone for the sin of the whole world. Father and Son alone know the cost of this triumph.
This final victory gives hope to all of humanity.
Easter is the celebration of victory, but Good Friday entailed the essential work behind that victory. The Resurrection is God’s signature that the price to ransom sinners from slavery was enough. The Resurrection proved all the claims of the Messiah. The Resurrection gave hope to a dying humanity that death’s sting is no longer final. The promise of eternal life is accomplished! Jesus’ rising is the once-for-all release of all prisoners of fear. Death is demonstrably defeated.
This final victory gives joy for every day.
The victory is done, but the celebration was meant to continue.
What Jesus won is to be celebrated not only on Easter morning but every day. He gave us life, not only someday, but now.
This is a victory lap that invites every witness to join in the joy of the victor. Every tribe and nation and tongue can join the revelry. Each generation is called to add their voices to the glory and honor of the greatest champion.
Will you join in this joy?
Jesus Christ is at the head of a triumphal procession, having won what no one else could win. He now sends out the invitation, which we call the gospel, to join in his joy. As Easter approaches, prepare to celebrate his victory as your victory. All glory to the victor. All joy to his followers!
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