Having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians 2:15

   The Message version of Colossians 2:15 says it like this: “He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets.” Now that’s a word picture for you! It may seem to us like a strange thing to say, but everyone in Paul’s day knew exactly what he was talking about.

   “Upon conquering an enemy, the Romans would hold a parade. They would take the conquered king, strip him naked, and drag him through the crowd behind the conquering king or commander for all their subjects to see. He would be humiliated and insulted, but that’s not all. They would also cut off the thumbs of his hands and the big toes of both feet. This was to assure the subjects this enemy would never be a threat to any of them again. He could not hold a sword and he would never be able to run again. There was no need to fear him any more. Any rumor about him ever challenging Rome again would be scoffed at because the citizens had seen him in the parade.” (Andrew Wommack)

   This is what the cross did to Satan. Jesus not only beat the devil, but He had a triumphant procession to display the devil to the universe as a totally conquered foe. Rumors have been circulating for centuries that Satan is still a powerful opponent to be reckoned with, but that’s not true. All our enemy has left are lies and fear. When temptation or attack comes our way, we just need to remind the devil that Jesus triumphed over him at the cross and that he has been stripped of his authority and power. Tell him you were at the victory parade.

Lord, thank You for disarming the powers of evil by putting them on public display and shaming them in front of the whole world. Help me to resist Satan’s lies and stand firmly on the truth that You have conquered the enemy.