More Than Conquerors

Reflection

We sometimes hold the meanings of our words loosely. For instance, we might say that a hungry man conquered a triple cheeseburger, but we see the same word used in history books where kings and empires conquered weaker nations. The same word is used, but with great difference in weight and significance. To compare the conqueror of a cheeseburger to that of a nation is beyond ludicrous.

But what if someone told you that you were more than a conqueror? Certainly, that would be silly if the person used the word conqueror in a superficial sense, but what if they used the word with a meaning so deep that its value was beyond comprehension? Now that would be encouraging.

Paul’s words to the members of the church in Rome had value that sank deep as he wrote in Romans 8:35, 37: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

While we might not be able to identify with the opposition the early church experienced under Roman rule, we certainly are familiar with the enmity of Satan they endured. A powerful enemy, he is active in his pursuit to destroy believers—who of us has not experienced his temptations, his deceptions, his accusations? Who of us has not felt beaten down and defeated by his assaults?

With every conqueror, there must be a conquest. As we consider the many challenges we face in this season of Lent, let us be encouraged as we remember that Jesus’ resurrection conquered death; his conquest was complete and eternal. And now, the triumphant risen Christ lives for us, intercedes for us, and provides all that we need to be more than conquers. Let us remember, too, that nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. In him, our victory is assured.