As we give victory a voice, we need due care that our confidence and trust in Jesus does not take a presumptuous turn. “One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off” (1 Kings 20:11). We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Since our celebration of Jesus' resurrection last year, how have you applied the blood of Jesus for the healing of your will, your image, your body, your mind, your work, your walk, and your relationships? As we testify to the resurrection of Jesus, we need sober judgment in our testimony of how his blood has brought us healing, and where we still need to cry out and plead the blood.

Scripture tells us that “the last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:26). Most of the principalities and powers were defeated at the cross, with Jesus making a public spectacle of them (Colossians 2:15). Yet, death was not defeated until the resurrection of Jesus on the third day. Death was the last enemy that Jesus overcame. The same pattern holds when the King of Kings and Lord of Lords returns at the end of time. The beast and the false prophet are defeated and thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur (Revelation 19:20). Then Satan himself was bound and thrown into the lake of burning sulfur (Revelation 20:10). Only later, after the dead are judged, are Death and Hades thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14).

The pattern in Jesus' death and resurrection and the pattern at the end of time will be the pattern for most of us also, unless we are alive when Jesus returns and are caught up to meet him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). 

As we give victory a voice, let us declare and rejoice in our victory over death as described in Isaiah 25, Matthew 28, 1 Corinthians 15, and Revelation 20. Let these be your battle cry as you put on your spiritual armor and do battle with death, assured of our victory in Jesus. 

Querido Padre Celestial,

As Your child, I confess that I have let life get in the way of my spiritual growth and my productivity in the Kingdom. I sincerely ask You to forgive me. I seek to become so in tune with You, that I know Your perfect presence and hear Your voice guiding me in all Your ways so that I may lead others to You. I praise You, Father, that I will overcome by the precious blood of the Lamb and by the word of my testimony. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. 

In what ways have you grown in your walk with the Lord since last Easter? If your answer is none, determine that you will prioritize spiritual growth this year. Make a list and a timeline, then monitor your growth. If you did see spiritual growth this past year, congratulations! We celebrate with you and heaven rejoices over you! Now, ask yourself what you can do to see even greater growth until next Easter? We will be excited to hear your testimony!