Victorious!

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

The above verse is one of my favorites because it describes the practice of a victorious king parading his defeated foes behind him as he enters the city.

Throughout the Bible, we find the Lord described as a protector, a conqueror, and a deliverer.

David calls the Lord his fortress, a fortified place or stronghold.

Fortress 2

Isaiah also speaks of walls and gates protecting God’s people.

In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks (a wall of earth). Isaiah 26:1

Walls of Salvation 2

Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. Isaiah 60:18

Praise 2

Jesus calls us a city. Unlike today, cities once had walls to protect it.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:14

Castle on a Hill 2

And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken. Isaiah 62:12

We are not abandoned. God is with us! We will overcome. We will stand victorious!

Do you have a favorite imagery in the Bible? If so, I would love to hear what it is.

Blessings

 

Photos courtest of Pixabay

 

WDYB~What Do You Believe?

Imagine Jerusalem filled with today’s technology…

This is Mark Jacobs with a special report from downtown Jerusalem in the WDYB studio.

Good evening. With what started as a typical day has rekindled the past firestorm of controversy surrounding the man known as Jesus Christ of Nazareth. For those just now joining us, we’ll start with the story of his birth.

His mother Mary told me the Holy Spirit overshadowed her and she conceived, making His birth a scientific wonder. She also said, after losing Him one day, she found Him teaching in the temple.

Nothing miraculous there, until she told me He was twelve-years-old at the time.

After that, I didn’t uncover much about his early life, but I did learn that He left His carpentry job and began ministering to the poor and needy.

Now, this is where it gets interesting, folks.

He was hauled before the leaders accused and crucified. But He didn’t remain in the tomb. People are claiming He is alive. And so, this reporter followed his nose and boy, did I find a story!

I spent days speaking with eyewitnesses as they recounted their experiences with this quiet, unassuming man. I have to caution you, I have never heard anything like it before. I daresay, it will challenge your way of thinking.

One such witness, named Jairus, declared this Jesus raised his twelve-year-old daughter from the dead.

And that’s not all. Two sisters, Mary and Martha, claimed He raised their decaying, stinking brother, Lazarus from the dead, also.

Another witness by the name of Bartimaeus said Jesus, who he called the Son of David, restored his sight.

I continued my research and found another man who told me of a banquet for 5000 in the middle of nowhere. One woman with an issue of blood for twelve years was healed when she touched the hem of His garment. Can you believe it?

I’m sorry, folks, but I have to smile when I think of the physician’s reaction. Incredible!

Here at WDYB, we are fair and balanced, so, I went to the other side of town and spoke with those who are adamant in their unbelief.

Included in that crowd, were those who called Him a fraud, and a blasphemer. They claimed He didn’t rise from the dead, but His followers stole his body away in the middle of the night.

I returned to my hotel only to meet with two who claimed to have talked with Him while traveling to Emmaus. They reported while they conversed with Him their hearts burned within them.

And that brings us to the story of the hour. When asking where I could find this Jesus, they told me, He had gone away but promised to return soon.

In preparation for His return, certain followers are waiting in an upper room. When I asked what they were waiting for, Simon Peter, apparently the spokesman for the group, said, “ We were commanded to tarry until we receive power from on high. Afterward, we are to carry the Gospel to the far corners of the world.”

Then he shared the Gospel with me. What an amazing story!

So there, you have it, folks. Whether you believe or not, one thing is undeniable. This man called Jesus has turned the world, as we know it, upside down. And I expect years from now, there will still be debates about Him.

But as for me, I began this journey for answers. And I have concluded, I cannot deny the testimony of those who experienced first hand this man called Jesus of Nazareth. Truly, He is the Son of God.

So I will leave it with you.

This is Mark Jacobs in Jerusalem, signing off for WDYB. What do you believe?

Good night.