Here is a very important psalm, not only for the Old Testament saints, but also for the New Testament. In a few places, verse 22 is recited and is applied to Jesus. It would seem an odd place to go, since the psalmist talks pretty explicitly about foreign powers surrounding Israel and yet Israel wins. But a foreign power surrounded Jesus, and they won. They put Jesus on the cross. That means they win, right?
The book of Colossians seems to delight in taking our quaint ideas and flipping them on their heads. Colossians 2:15 tells us that our vision of victory, with the waving flag and the conquering hero is not God's vision of victory. Jesus, who had the big power over all authorities, did not "win" that way. In fact, it was while hanging on the cross, being mocked by passing strangers, that God was making a spectacle of power. On the third day, Jesus rose again. Literally, human powers did their worst. They surrounded Jesus, they beat Jesus, they killed Jesus. And yet Jesus rose again. Resurrection is the ultimate promise that the powers we face today cannot have the final word.
Unfortunately, we are still held captive to the old vision of victory. And when I watch the Super Bowl, it's okay to have that vision of victory. No one will win the Super Bowl by having the most injured players, but by having the most points. However, when we exit the games, there is a wide world out there where the old vision of victory is destroying lives and nations. Even after the War to End All Wars, every generation in the US has known war. The New Testament says that we should not be surprised by wars and rumors of war.
However, we look forward to something else. We look forward to a re-creation, a new heavens and new earth. We look forward to a city of peace that will have no end. May the hope of the resurrection encourage you today.
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