A Celebration of Victory

“Cinco de Mayo,” or the 5th of May, is a well-known Mexican day of celebration and remembrance. In Mexico and the United States alike, this day is recognized by many with culturally related food, song, dance, and much more. Despite the belief by many that it is an annual observance of Mexican independence, it actually marks the anniversary of the victory of Mexican forces over the renowned French army on May 5, 1862. This was a major victory in the history of the Mexican country. To them it is worthy of celebration.

When we think about being a Christian, victory plays a major role. We are engaged every day in a battle in which our enemy wants us to lose. Such a conflict is not physical, but spiritual. We are told to “put on the full armor of God, that you may be able stand against the scheming of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Without arming ourselves with God’s armor, we are vulnerable and set up to lose the war. In the letters to each of the seven churches found in Revelation, Christ tells every church they must “overcome.” Literally, they must be victorious!

Ultimately, our battle is not one we can win alone. We need the support and strength in numbers that comes from one another in the church. Most of all, we need the might that can only come from the Almighty God of the universe. In connection with Paul’s instructions to put on the full armor of God, we are told to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). Notice that our strength comes in the Lord and His power. Putting on God’s armor prevents us from losing the battle; all the while, allowing God to win it. In the final letter to the churches, Jesus told the Laodicean Christians that whoever “overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (3:21). We are to be victorious as Christ was/is victorious. The ultimate battle has already been won. Christ was victorious over sin and death. Revelation is a sneak-peek into the long-standing war between God and His army versus Satan and his. Spoiler alert: God wins! Every first day of the week is a celebration of praise and remembrance of this great victory.