But thanks be to God!

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" ~ 1 Corinthians 15:57

Victory in Greek is ‘Nike’ - The corporate world has borrowed the name - a certain shoe company you might be familiar with - they have actually become victorious by becoming a global brand. That's a lovely word. When I was in 4th grade, I wanted my name to be Victoria.  I thought it sounded so strong and that I would be on top of things if people would just remember that my name had changed.  (they didn’t)

1 Corinthians 15 is all about what happens to us after we "fold our earthly tent".  Death can be scary - even if you are assured of your destination.  But verse 54 tells us that “Death is swallowed up in Victory". Paul personifies them, as if they are characters in a play - he is downright taunting with his quotation of Hosea 13:14 in verse 55 “O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting?” Death will be DESTROYED.  What is left?  LIFE!  Life with Jesus Christ, all because of His work on the cross.

Romans 8:37  "...we have complete victory through Him who loved us!".  This brings to mind an old hymn - my memory hears the joy in the men’s voices as they belted out these words.

O victory in Jesus

My Savior, forever

He sought me and He bought me

With His redeeming blood

He loved me ere I knew Him

And all my love is due Him

He plunged me to victory

Beneath the cleansing flood

~songwriter E.M.Bartlett