Thanks Be to God!
“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession”
What a wonderful picture! We're lined up in a parade of the People of God, and God has won a great victory. We're triumphant! Clouds of perfume fill the air around us, spreading the message of God's love to all who catch the odor.
Here is the way to march through a new year, following God. We can be one of the winners, not one of the captives. We can think of ourselves as on the way to salvation. We have been given a new year of life for the purpose of sharing God's gifts to us.
This is a most optimistic view of a new year. We do not need to live in fear of what the future will bring. Our opportunity is to march with the winners. If we stay in line with Christ, we will continue as part of the victory parade. Christ's presence is assured.
No wonder Paul began the sentence with thanks be to God. We have been given many things for a new year: a purpose for living, a victorious commander, companions who share our ideals, a message to share, a future with God.
Let's all join the triumphant parade!
For Reflection: Am I a bystander or a participant in Christs's triumphal procession?
A Prayer Seed:
March on, O soul with strength, as strong the battle rolls!
'Gainst lies and lusts and wrongs, let courage rule our souls:
In keenest strife, Lord, may we stand, upheld and strengthened by Thy hand.
George T. Coster, 1900
