God With Us: Encountering the King This Christmasનમૂનો

Day 4: The Triumphant King

Triumph often looks like strength, wealth, or military victory. Jesus, however, redefined what it means to be triumphant. He entered Jerusalem not on a war horse but on a donkey, a symbol of peace and humility. He achieved victory not through force but through sacrifice.

Zechariah 9:9 prophesied this moment: “Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey.” (ESV) Jesus confounded expectations then, and he still does today. His triumph came not through conquering others but by laying down his life.

On the cross, Jesus secured a victory no earthly king could ever win. He triumphed over sin, death, and the power of the Enemy. His resurrection is proof that his victory is eternal and unshakable. And because of his triumph, we too can share in his victory.

But how do we walk in that triumph? Jesus tells us in Luke 9:23: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (ESV) True triumph comes not in self-exaltation but in surrender. As Paul says in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (ESV)

Every day we are invited into the triumph of Jesus by laying down our pride, self-reliance, and sin at the foot of the cross. In exchange, we receive freedom, forgiveness, and new life.

What “victory” are you pursuing today? Is it success, recognition, or control? Or are you seeking the triumph of Christ through the victory that comes from surrender?

The path of Jesus may seem upside-down to the world, but it is the only path that leads to true life. His triumph is our triumph, and his resurrection power is at work in us today.

Prayer:
Triumphant King, I lay down my life before you. Teach me to find victory not in myself, but in your sacrifice and resurrection. May my life reflect your triumph today. In your victorious name, Amen.